Tufan Erhürman, the leader of the main opposition party in the TRNC, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), came to Ankara upon the invitation of CHP leader Özgür Özel. Meeting with journalists after his meeting with AKP officials, Erhürman stated that “the normalization process has begun.” Erhürman stated that property lawsuits filed by the Greek Cypriot side had a negative impact on the construction sector, and said, “Advocating a two-state solution and Turkey’s guarantorship at the same time creates paradoxes.”
First Official Contact Between AK Party and CTP After Five Years
CTP Chairman Erhürman, while evaluating the first official contact with the AK Party after five years, stated that the lack of communication started when the CTP Group left President Erdoğan’s TRNC Parliament meeting, but that the gap dates back even further. Erhürman emphasized that there has been a slight improvement in relations as the CTP and that the normalization process has begun.
Current Issues in the Cyprus Issue
- Negative effects of property-related lawsuits filed in the Greek Cypriot side on the construction sector
- Steps and discrediting efforts of Greek Cypriots regarding universities in TRNC
- The paradox of the two-state solution and Turkey’s guarantee
- The issue of natural gas and oil fields in Cyprus
Criticisms Towards the Greek Cypriot Sector
While evaluating the negative effects of the Greek Cypriot side on the construction sector and universities in the TRNC, Erhürman stated that the Paphos base had become a factor causing international crises and that they were exposed to threats from Hezbollah. He emphasized that this situation also posed a risk for the TRNC.
Communication Between Özgür Özel and CTP
Erhürman stated that with the coming to power of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, communication between the CHP and the CTP has increased and institutional contacts have begun. He stated that Özel has shown close interest in the Cyprus issues and that the communication between the two parties is progressing in a positive direction.
