Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has signalled that intense activity is expected on the Cyprus problem from July onward, saying the Turkish Cypriot side remains calm, is working without pause, and supports the efforts of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a social media post, Erhürman said he had told the Turkish Cypriot community months ago that momentum in the process could pick up from July, once elections in the government-controlled areas had concluded and Cyprus had taken over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He said the Turkish Cypriot community's will for a solution is clear, and repeated that he supports, and will continue to support, the efforts of the UN Secretary-General.
Erhürman added that the principles and methodology of the Turkish Cypriot side have been presented repeatedly to all parties involved and are by now known to everyone. He said all international initiatives that could affect developments on the Cyprus problem are being closely monitored.
He made clear that the Turkish Cypriot side will not be drawn into provocations or "political games", regardless of where they originate, stressing that its patience, composure, seriousness and resolve are well known.
Addressing reports of a possible new proposal on the Cyprus problem, Erhürman repeated that no complete plan currently exists, only certain ideas. He said the Council of Political Parties, trade unions, youth organisations, business organisations and other interested bodies have been briefed on these ideas.
The Turkish Cypriot leader assured that his community would continue to be informed in good time of any substantive development, while rejecting any attempt to politically exploit the process. "We have not become, and will not become, merchants of despair or of hope," he said, adding that his aim is to protect the rights, future, equality and security of Turkish Cypriots, particularly children.
He concluded by stressing that the Turkish Cypriot side remains entirely calm, continues to work without interruption, and is prepared for possible developments on the Cyprus problem.
