15.01.2026 07:20
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Tufan Erhürman, stated that if the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is excluded from the underwater electricity cable project involving South Cyprus, Israel, and Greece, Turkey will not allow this initiative.
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Tufan Erhürman, answered questions from the Turkey newspaper regarding current topics in Nicosia.
"WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH TURKEY"
Erhürman, stating that "We are in close cooperation with Turkey in economy and security," said, "We have met with the President of the Greek Cypriot Administration, Nikos Christodoulides. Our representatives are continuing their contacts at a lower level. We presented a list of 10 items aimed at resolving our proposals. For example, there is a contract that the South must sign for us to sell halloumi cheese to the EU. It has been waiting for a signature for 3 years."
"FIRST LEFKOŞA, THEN 5+1"
Erhürman emphasized that the Cyprus issue needs to be resolved in Nicosia before attending the inconclusive 5+1 (TRNC, GCA, Turkey, Greece, England, and UN) format meetings held in Geneva. He stated that there is no need for a meeting involving guarantors on issues such as the opening of crossing points, saying, "In other words, two leaders who cannot find a solution at one door cannot claim to resolve the Cyprus issue."
"TURKEY WILL NOT ALLOW THAT ALLIANCE"
Erhürman noted that despite Turkey's proposal to resolve the island's electricity problem, the Greek side has introduced the "Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)" project to bypass the TRNC, but the line planned to be routed through Greece could not be implemented because it was not feasible. He continued his remarks: "If Greek Cyprus tries to connect with Israel and Greece through an underwater electricity project while attempting to exclude Northern Cyprus and Turkey, Turkey will not allow this by using various means. The same situation applies to the hydrocarbon issue. A unilateral process cannot be operated in areas where Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots claim rights."
"THEY WILL INTRODUCE NORTHERN CYPRUS TO THE WORLD THROUGH SERIES"
Erhürman mentioned projects to showcase the country's cultural sites, Ottoman artifacts, natural beauties, and gastronomy, stating that they have held discussions with Cypriot directors for a series. He also said that special days and events could be organized to promote the TRNC in destinations like Brussels and England. Erhürman added that tourism is an important source of income in the TRNC, but they have not been able to adequately convey the country's appeal.