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Erhurman Proposes Bi-communal Committee for Halloumi – Ready for Cooperation in Agriculture and Livestock

Published March 14, 2026, 14:07
Erhurman Proposes Bi-communal Committee for Halloumi – Ready for Cooperation in Agriculture and Livestock

Turkish Cypriot politician Tufan Erhurman proposed the establishment of a bi-communal technical committee on the issue of halloumi, while also expressing the Turkish Cypriot side's readiness to cooperate in the fields of agriculture and livestock. This proposal comes at a time of increased concern regarding the fight against foot-and-mouth disease and the need to begin inspections in the occupied territories for the registration of Cypriot cheese. Mr. Erhurman emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot community proceeded with timely and rapid vaccinations to combat foot-and-mouth disease and offered vaccines to the free areas when needed. Regarding halloumi, he reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side's desire to be inspected, pointing out that there was a commitment to resolve the issue by January 31, which was not fulfilled. He stressed that the proposal for the bi-communal committee came from the Turkish Cypriot side and expressed the need for a joint approach to similar risks in the agricultural sector, declaring himself open to all kinds of cooperation. He believed that the Greek Cypriot side should focus on its own responsibilities and stop using the Turkish Cypriot side as an excuse for its internal criticism. Overall, Mr. Erhurman's statement is an attempt to de-escalate tensions and promote cooperation between the two communities on issues related to animal health, agricultural production and the economic development of the island.