Turkish Cypriot Leader Erhurman Calls for End to Isolation at Turkic States Summit

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman addressed the Organisation of Turkic States summit in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the Turkish Cypriot community's strong commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem. Erhurman criticized the long-standing isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots, describing restrictions in sectors like trade, sports, and culture as violations of fundamental human rights. He referenced the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, where Turkish Cypriots voted for reunification, as proof of their willingness to achieve a just solution, contrasting it with the rejection by Greek Cypriots. Erhurman argued that international bodies, including the EU and UN, had previously acknowledged the need to end this isolation. He highlighted the significance of the Turkish Cypriots' observer status in the Organisation of Turkic States as a continuation of legitimate international recognition. The leader called for regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, advocating for peace, stability, and inclusive collaboration in energy and trade. He concluded by thanking Kazakh President Kassym-Jomar Tokayev and expressing solidarity with Turkic nations, asserting that diplomatic dialogue remains essential for lasting stability in the region.