The Turkish Cypriot leader is furious following Barcelona’s decision to cancel its training camp in the occupied territories. Tufan Erhurman speaks in strong terms about an attempt to wipe out the Turkish Cypriots and lashes out at both the Republic of Cyprus and the international community. He sees a parallel effort on the part of Turkish Cypriots to, on the one hand, walk away from the negotiating table and, on the other hand, cut off their contacts with the outside world.
“The Greek Cypriot leadership appears set to continue its efforts to render the Turkish Cypriots invisible. And we, despite the fact that the talks are continuing, will continue to resist these efforts and work to make our people visible.”
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He states in a provocative tone that all of this is part of a long-standing strategy in which Greek Cypriots accuse Turkish Cypriots and portray themselves as victims. He makes no secret of his belief that such behavior undermines the talks, while he insists on a clear definition of the policy of equality before sitting down at the negotiating table.
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“My promise to my people is that I will never give up their rights, security, and equality on this island. Anyone who does not accept this—whether they are a Greek Cypriot, a Turk, or an international organization—must know that we cannot find common ground with them. Now the cards will be reshuffled. I have spoken, and I will continue to speak my mind while looking my interlocutors in the eye. Anyone who has confidence in what they say should come and tell me, looking me in the eye.”
He links the reactions regarding both Barcelona and the music festival in Kyrenia to the 2028 elections as well as the so-called parliamentary elections in the occupied territories, taking a jab at those who prioritize put their personal ambitions above the Cyprus issue.
More on the letters
That afternoon, the Turkish Cypriot leader sent three separate letters to the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the European Commission, and the President of Barcelona, citing obstacles imposed by the Greek Cypriot side to the cultural and athletic development of Turkish Cypriots, at a time of increased activity regarding the Cyprus issue.
The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) also stepped forward, confirming that it had intervened at all levels to prevent the Spanish team’s visit, citing violations of UEFA and FIFA regulations.
“This development is no cause for celebration or fanfare. The Federation will continue to closely monitor such actions and intervene whenever a violation of the regulations is identified.”
In a tense atmosphere
Amid this tense atmosphere, negotiators are laying the groundwork for the meeting between the two leaders next Wednesday. The goal is to continue the discussion on the three key aspects: methodology, convergence, and confidence-building measures.
In the wake of their one-on-one meeting the day before yesterday, however, the European Commission reiterated the EU’s long-standing position on the Cyprus process. This response was given in answer to a question from a Turkish-speaking journalist when asked to comment on the cancellation of the Barcelona camp. The spokespeople declined to comment, insisting on the Union’s long-standing position.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
