Tufan Erhurman, a centre-left moderate, won the Turkish Cypriot presidential election on Sunday, defeating incumbent hardliner Ersin Tatar in a pivotal vote that could revive stalled U.N.-backed reunification talks on the divided island of Cyprus.
Erhurman, a lawyer, secured 62.8% of the vote from just over 218,000 registered voters, compared with Tatar’s 35.8%, campaigning on a platform to reinvigorate negotiations with Greek Cypriots and explore a federal solution — a model long supported by the United Nations.
Tatar, who assumed power in 2020, had advocated a two-state policy, backed by Turkey, the only country recognizing the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Greek Cypriots have repeatedly rejected a two-state approach.
Following the result, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Erhurman, describing the election as a “reflection of the democratic maturity of Turkish Cypriots.” He added:
“We will continue to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus together with our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters on every platform.”
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides also congratulated Erhurman, emphasizing the new president’s commitment to resuming peace talks.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Turkish invasion followed a brief Greek-backed coup. North Cyprus was proclaimed in 1983, but peace negotiations have stalled since 2017. The president of North Cyprus represents the Turkish Cypriot community in negotiations with Greek Cypriots, who represent the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and have influence in the European Union.
Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat suggested Ankara might reconsider its stance on a two-state solution under Erhurman.
“Can it change? I believe so. It depends on what Turkey can get out of a solution,” Talat told the Greek Cypriot Politis newspaper.
Erhurman’s victory marks a potential turning point for Cyprus, raising cautious optimism that frozen reunification talks could resume after nearly 50 years of division.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics dri...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment