**Erhurman Stresses Need for Results in Cyprus Solution During Anniversary Speech**
In a speech commemorating the 52nd anniversary of Turkey’s military intervention in Cyprus, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman emphasized the urgent need for tangible outcomes in upcoming discussions regarding the Cyprus problem. His remarks were delivered on July 20, a date that marks Turkey's invasion of the island in 1974, which he referred to as a "peace operation" necessary for the survival of Turkish Cypriots.
Erhurman articulated a clear stance against negotiations that lack purpose, stating, “We do not want negotiations for the sake of negotiations, or a five-plus-one meeting for the sake of a five-plus-one meeting. We want to be result-oriented.” The term "five-plus-one" refers to the anticipated gathering of the two Cypriot communities, the three guarantor powers—Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—and the United Nations, aimed at addressing the longstanding division of the island.
In his address, Erhurman underscored the historical context of the Turkish presence in Cyprus, asserting that the establishment of the ‘Turkish federated state of Cyprus’ in February 1975 was a significant milestone. He argued that attempts to reinterpret this history would not yield positive results. “The Turkish Cypriot people are one of the two equal founding partners on this island,” he stated, asserting their status as equal owners rather than a minority group. He emphasized that the Turkish Cypriots would not relinquish their rights, equality, or security.
Highlighting the Turkish Cypriots' willingness to engage in a resolution of the Cyprus issue, Erhurman referenced their support for the 2004 Annan Plan, which aimed to reunify the island, as well as their participation in the 2017 negotiations held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. He lamented the lack of progress since then, criticizing international bodies for their perceived bias against Turkish Cypriots. He remarked on the “isolations on the Turkish Cypriots” that have persisted since the Annan Plan and called for a reevaluation of the attitudes exhibited by the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe.
Erhurman also addressed the need for confidence-building measures between the two communities, urging that these should be implemented promptly. He echoed the sentiments of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for a different approach in the next round of talks. “The rules of the new negotiation need to be determined before the new process begins,” he cautioned, warning against resuming discussions without addressing past disappointments.
In conclusion, Erhurman stressed the importance of securing a stable future for the younger generations of Turkish Cypriots, asserting that “the rights of our children cannot be left exposed to an uncertain future.” His speech reflects a commitment to achieving a meaningful resolution to the Cyprus problem, while also advocating for the rights and recognition of the Turkish Cypriot community.