Turkish Cypriot parties and organisations have given mixed reactions to the leaders’ agreement to open two new crossing points and introduce confidence-building measures, CNA reports. Some welcomed it as a step towards a settlement. Others criticised the choice of crossings, and in particular the absence of Mia Milia.
CTP calls for swift implementation
Fikri Toros, a “member of parliament” and international relations secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), called for the agreement reached at the leaders’ meeting to be implemented immediately. He said the positive atmosphere it created should be carried over into negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
In a written statement, Mr Toros described as particularly important the decision to open the Louroujina–Lympia and Kambos–Karavostasi crossings at the same time. He also welcomed the agreements on:
- exchanging cultural heritage archives
- cooperation on environmental projects
- relaunching the “Imagine” educational programme
- setting up an emergency mechanism
- restoring religious heritage sites
He said these steps would build trust between the two communities, make daily life easier for people and foster a sense of a shared future. He stressed that the will shown in the agreement must be pursued decisively, adding that lasting peace in Cyprus can only come through empathy, trust and a common will.
TDP regrets omission of Mia Milia
Zeki Çeler, leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), said the agreement between the leaders of the two communities included positive steps but did not fully meet expectations. He added that his party would express Turkish Cypriots’ wish for a solution in the “parliament”.
In a written statement, Mr Çeler welcomed the agreement on the two new crossings, the relaunch of the “Imagine” programme, the work of the technical committees, the crisis management mechanism, the maintenance of historical monuments, the exchange of archive material, the environmental projects and the upcoming trilateral meeting under the UN Secretary-General.
However, he expressed disappointment that the agreement did not include crossings that would ease traffic in Nicosia or boost trade across the Green Line, such as Mia Milia.
Mr Çeler added that confidence-building measures cannot replace a comprehensive settlement that guarantees the rights, peace and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots. He warned that the current status quo carries serious risks and that solving the Cyprus problem is vital both for the two communities and for regional stability.
DP questions need for Kambos crossing
Serhat Akpınar, general secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Democratic Party (DP), described the confidence-building initiative as important. He said, however, that measures that do not affect people’s daily lives risk being seen as “for show”.
Referring to Ersin Tatar’s proposal to open crossings at Louroujina and Mia Milia, he questioned the purpose of opening the Kambos–Karavostasi crossing.
He said there are already three crossings in the western area: Pyrgos–Limnitis, Astromeritis and Apliki. For this reason, he said, there is no real justification for a fourth crossing in the same area. He added that every new crossing point involves significant financial cost, as it must be staffed with “police, customs and civilian personnel”.
Mr Akpınar said Tufan Erhürman should handle the matter in close consultation with the “government” to achieve the best and most effective results.
Call to align with Ankara’s two-state policy
Aziz Gülbahar, president of the “National Struggle Foundation”, said in a written statement that the Greek Cypriot leadership and the UN had rejected the Turkish Cypriot leader’s proposals.
Addressing Mr Erhürman, he asked: “While it is so clear that Turkey wants a two-state solution, and knowing that federation is against our interests, why do you continue to ask for federation from the intransigent Greek Cypriot side?”
He called on Mr Erhürman to honour the “office of the president of the TRNC”, saying the Turkish Cypriot “people” are not a minority at the mercy of Greek Cypriots. He also argued that the agreement on new crossings should not be used as cover to sideline the issue of “sovereignty”.
Mr Gülbahar called on Mr Erhürman to align fully with Ankara’s policy of “sovereign equality” and recognition of the “state”, saying it was his duty to defend the “state”.
