Erhurman lays out 10-point plan to build trust ahead of Cyprus talks

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman outlined a detailed 10-point package on Thursday aimed at creating a more constructive atmosphere for the Cyprus peace process, following his first formal meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. The session, held at the UN Special Representative’s residence, lasted about 90 minutes, with just 15 minutes of one-on-one discussion between the two leaders.

Speaking after returning to the north, Erhurman described the meeting as positive and friendly and emphasized that his proposals are intended to reduce friction and build trust between the communities.

The 10 points included practical measures that touch the everyday lives of people on both sides of the island:

1. Citizenship and mobility – Children of mixed marriages and Turkish Cypriot spouses would gain the right to Cypriot citizenship and access driver’s licenses to travel to the south.
2. Checkpoint improvements – A third booth at the Agios Dometios roadblock and expanded traffic permits at several checkpoints.
3. Youth sports – Children under 14 would be allowed to participate in friendly matches across the divide.
4. Symbolic gestures – A visit by both leaders to the Committee on Missing Persons, amid concerns about recent flag-burning incidents.
5. Property and justice – Addressing arrests and trials to prevent them from poisoning the atmosphere.
6. Trade facilitation – Easing bureaucratic hurdles for traders using the Green Line Regulation, where trade volume has dropped.
7. Halloumi exports – Accelerating contracts with Veritas to support producers in the north.
8. EU harmonization – Reopening talks on Turkish Cypriot alignment with EU standards to prepare the community for eventual reunification.
9. Security cooperation – Creating a communication channel between Greek and Turkish Cypriot security forces to resolve incidents quickly.
10. Infrastructure cooperation – Jointly launching a road-widening project in the buffer zone with contractors from both sides.

Erhurman also briefly mentioned a four-point proposal for a comprehensive settlement, stressing that progress must be made before any large-scale negotiations resume. He said his team will continue to meet with Greek Cypriot representatives and the UN ahead of Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s visit to the island in early December.

“The goal is to act without prejudice or blame,” Erhurman said. “From now on, acting on prejudice will hurt the process, not help it. I personally have no prejudices and will not engage in any blame game.”

He added that while negotiations at the table remain constructive, he will speak out on issues outside formal talks, such as military agreements or flag-burning incidents, if they threaten Turkish Cypriot interests.

Erhurman welcomed President Christodoulides’ assurance that Cyprus’ EU Presidency will not be used as an excuse to delay progress, calling it a positive signal for the negotiations.