President Tufan Erhurman pointed out that the reluctance in implementing Confidence Building Measures, the efforts to render Turkish Cypriots invisible, and thus the obstacles to lifting isolation are detrimental to the resolution efforts.
Erhurman stated that these attitudes do not strengthen the relations between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots; rather, they damage them. He emphasized in his statement that the search for solutions should not only be verbal but should also involve mutual recognition of rights. This, he argued, could facilitate the development of relations and enhance the atmosphere of trust.
The Importance of Building Trust
Erhurman noted that the term “Confidence-Building (Enhancing) Measures” is frequently used in negotiations related to the Cyprus issue and that this concept encompasses significant strategies. He stressed the necessity of avoiding negative occurrences in addition to existing measures to solve the historical trust issues between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
It was stated that Turkish Cypriots have been struggling for a long time to have their isolation lifted, which is considered a legitimate right according to the international community and organizations. It was also noted that Greek Cypriot diplomacy has been conducting a campaign that negatively affects this situation.
Erhurman pointed out that previous statements suggested that lifting the isolation of Turkish Cypriots would weaken their desire for a solution, in contrast, he highlighted that implementing these measures would complicate the necessary steps or bold policies for finding a solution.
Emphasis on Will for Solution and Equality
President Erhurman emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot people possess the will for a solution and argued that if confidence-building measures fall short, Turkish Cypriots are being tried to be disregarded. These attitudes were claimed to harm the improvement of relations between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
It was recalled that the United Nations has also delivered significant messages regarding Confidence-Building Measures. Ultimately, it was stated that the search for a solution could progress not only by demanding a resolution, but also by acknowledging that both sides possess equal rights. It was highlighted that Turkish Cypriots would urgently oppose the isolation of their children from the world, emphasizing the role of informing the international community on this matter.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
