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Ertugruloglu: Negotiator Appointment Requires 'Assembly' Decision

Published February 13, 2026, 17:13
Ertugruloglu: Negotiator Appointment Requires 'Assembly' Decision

The self-proclaimed “foreign minister” of the Turkish Cypriot side, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, argued that the appointment of a negotiator for the Cyprus issue should be made only by a decision of the “assembly”, questioning the automatic assumption of the role by Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman. Mr. Ertugruloglu invokes the “parliamentary system” of the occupied territories, arguing that the process in Crans Montana in 2017 led to the collapse of the federal model. He expressed the view that the Turkish side is now seeking a two-state solution with “sovereign equality,” arguing that intercommunal talks have been definitively terminated and should be conducted at the level of “states.” Mr. Ertugruloglu believes that the position of negotiator does not derive from the “constitution” of the occupied territories, but was the result of the UN process, which is now considered over. In this context, if Mr. Erhurman wishes to continue as a negotiator, this should be ratified by the “legislative body.” Mr. Ertugruloglu criticized Erhurman’s participation in the procedures as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, arguing that this practice maintains an unequal state of international recognition in favor of the Greek Cypriot side. These statements suggest a hardening of the position of the Turkish Cypriot side and an attempt to control the negotiation process, strengthening the position for a two-state solution and reducing the role of the Greek Cypriot side.