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Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman met U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Nicosia as rival groups supporting and opposing a federation-based Cyprus settlement demonstrated during his visit.
According to a statement from the TRNC presidency, Erhurman welcomed Guterres and his delegation and emphasized the Turkish Cypriot community’s commitment to achieving a fair and lasting settlement.
“I believe you are aware of the strong will of the Turkish Cypriot people for a fair and lasting solution,” Erhurman said before the meeting.
“We are doing our best to fulfill our responsibilities regarding confidence-building measures. Unlike the experiences of 2004 and 2017, this time we are working on a new and realistic methodology that will help us reach our common goal.”
Erhurman said the Turkish Cypriot side supported Guterres’ efforts concerning the Cyprus issue and would do everything possible to contribute to the process.
Guterres said the U.N. remained determined to help the two communities pursue a settlement.
“We are determined to do everything we can to support the two communities in their search for a solution,” Guterres said.
“We are aware that a solution also depends on the contribution of the guarantor countries. Therefore, we attach great importance to providing every possible contribution that will strengthen the prosperity of both communities and their determination to reach a solution.”
Guterres said the U.N. would continue supporting efforts that could help seize the opportunities currently available and move the process forward.
He also expressed satisfaction at being in Cyprus.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Guterres reiterated his determination to work in solidarity with Cypriots and the guarantor countries to help resolve the dispute.
He said the U.N. would contribute to developing confidence-building measures benefiting both sides.
A group opposed to a federation-based settlement gathered around the TRNC presidential complex to protest Guterres’ arrival in Nicosia for his meeting with Erhurman.
Demonstrators carried banners reading, “Our only guarantee is the Turkish military,” “We believe only in the Turkish army,” and “We follow our Cypriot leaders, no to Greek oppression.”
They also carried posters of TRNC founding President Rauf Raif Denktas and community leader Fazil Kucuk.
A brief dispute broke out between police and protesters when officers attempted to remove and relocate a banner that the group planned to display at the main entrance of the presidential complex as Guterres departed.
Elsewhere in Nicosia, a group supporting a federation-based process held a demonstration in support of Guterres, carrying banners reading, “United Cyprus” and “Peace now.”
As part of his Cyprus visit, Guterres also met Greek Cypriot administration leader Nikos Christodoulides earlier in the day.
Following their meeting at the Greek Cypriot Presidential Palace, Guterres said regional turmoil and geopolitical changes could suddenly place Cyprus at the center of unwanted developments.
Despite those risks, he said the current moment offered an opportunity for a solution.
“If there is a moment for a solution, it is now,” Guterres said.
Guterres continued his Cyprus program by laying a wreath at the U.N. memorial in front of the Ledra Palace Hotel in the buffer zone.
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