President Tufan Erhürman firmly rejected the Greek Cypriot leadership’s call for Turkish troops to withdraw and for guarantees to end, declaring such demands “null and void.”
In a strong and unambiguous response to the Greek Cypriot leadership’s recent demands, TRNC President Tufan Erhürman dismissed calls for the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the abolition of the guarantee system.
Emphasizing that these issues remain fundamental to Turkish Cypriot security and sovereignty, Erhürman stated that such demands are “null and void,” reiterating that any future negotiations must proceed on the basis of sovereign equality. His message signals both a continuation of longstanding policy and a clear alignment with Türkiye’s strategic position on the Cyprus issue.
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tufan Erhürman has delivered a firm response to the Greek Cypriot leadership’s recent statement calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the termination of the guarantee system.
Erhürman stated unequivocally:
“These demands are null and void for me.”
A Strong Early Signal in the New Term
Since assuming office, President Erhürman has consistently emphasized a “realistic” framework for negotiations. His latest response to the Greek Cypriot request marks a decisive moment. The call for “the withdrawal of Turkish forces from the island and an end to the guarantees” was met with a message that leaves no room for ambiguity.
Erhürman’s clear stance immediately reignited discussions about both the balance at the negotiating table and the TRNC’s broader approach to sovereignty.
Security and Sovereignty Remain Non-Negotiable
For decades, the Turkish Cypriot side has viewed the guarantee system and the presence of the Turkish Armed Forces as indispensable pillars of security on the island. Erhürman reaffirmed this position by underscoring that:
- The presence of Turkish troops is not open to negotiation,
- Ending the guarantees would undermine the Turkish Cypriot people’s sense of security,
- Any negotiation process must proceed on the basis of sovereign equality.
According to several analysts, such clarity may not hinder the negotiation process; instead, it may pave the way for a more realistic and grounded diplomatic dialogue.
Greek Cypriot Demands Reflect an Outdated Framework
Behind Erhürman’s sharp response lies a widespread perception that the Greek Cypriot leadership continues to cling to decades-old negotiation paradigms. Experts point out that:
- The Greek Cypriot side maintains its insistence on a “single sovereignty,”
- Security arrangements are approached solely through a unilateral lens,
- The political equality of the TRNC is still not fully acknowledged.
Erhürman’s remark is thus seen as a firm rejection of this outdated position.
Full Alignment With Türkiye’s Strategic Perspective
Erhürman’s message also reflects complete alignment with Türkiye’s longstanding policy advocating sovereign equality and a two-state solution.
Diplomatic sources note that the presence of Turkish forces in Cyprus is viewed not only as a “security matter” but also as a cornerstone of regional geopolitical stability.
Conclusion: No Return to the Table Under Old Conditions
President Tufan Erhürman’s statement serves as a clear signal to both the Greek Cypriot leadership and the international community:
- Outdated demands will no longer receive consideration,
- Security and guarantees remain red lines,
- A new negotiation phase is only possible on the basis of sovereign equality.
Erhürman’s declaration that these demands are “null and void” is expected to shape the diplomatic trajectory of the Cyprus issue in the coming period.
