Dialogos

Erhurman Calls Meeting with Guterres "Useful and Productive"

Published February 12, 2026, 09:00
Erhurman Calls Meeting with Guterres "Useful and Productive"

Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, described his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York as "useful and productive." The meeting, which lasted longer than scheduled, focused on the prospects for restarting negotiations and improving everyday life. Erhurman stated that he presented Guterres with a four-point methodology proposal, emphasizing that the process should not merely be talks for the sake of talks, but should have a concrete outcome, to avoid new disappointments for the Turkish Cypriot community. Particular emphasis was placed on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) and the opening of new crossing points. Erhurman proposed that these issues be resolved directly in Nicosia by the two leaders, rather than referred to international conferences. He believed that reaching agreements at the local level would send a positive message. Guterres remains committed to the Cyprus issue and shows no signs of discouragement, according to Erhurman. He recognizes the concerns of Turkish Cypriots and wishes for more frequent contact in the future. However, no specific timelines or format of a future process were discussed.