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.
Russia said its forces have captured the village of Rybne in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, though Kyiv has not confirmed the claim. Uk...
Israel ruled out Türkiye’s participation in a proposed multinational stabilization force in Gaza, saying there will be “no Turkish boots on the g...
The liberation of Karabakh is not only a victory for Azerbaijan but for the entire Turkic world....
China has announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, the commerce ministry said on Sunday, a move aimed ...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would...
Russia said its forces have captured the village of Rybne in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, though Kyiv has not confirmed the claim. Ukraine’s military says it repelled multiple Russian assaults nearby amid ongoing heavy fighting.
Israel ruled out Türkiye’s participation in a proposed multinational stabilization force in Gaza, saying there will be “no Turkish boots on the ground,” amid reports that Ankara had issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The liberation of Karabakh is not only a victory for Azerbaijan but for the entire Turkic world.
China has announced exemptions to its export controls on Nexperia chips intended for civilian use, the commerce ministry said on Sunday, a move aimed at easing supply shortages affecting carmakers and automotive suppliers.
Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga lead the 2026 Grammy nominations, while K-Pop enters the Song of the Year category for the first time in the award’s history.
Real Madrid, top of LaLiga, is determined to bounce back from their midweek Champions League loss against Liverpool as they face local rivals Rayo Vallecano. Coach Xabi Alonso insists the team is focused on finishing strong before the international break.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a massive Russian attack involving 450 drones and 45 missiles, targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He called for stronger sanctions against Russia’s energy sector to help end the war.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that no U.S. government official would attend the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa later this month, citing what he described as "human rights abuses" occurring in the country.
Six people have died with one other injured, after a fire broke out in a perfume warehouse in the Dilovasi district of Türkiye on Saturday.
Russia said its forces have captured the village of Rybne in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, though Kyiv has not confirmed the claim. Ukraine’s military says it repelled multiple Russian assaults nearby amid ongoing heavy fighting.
Israel ruled out Türkiye’s participation in a proposed multinational stabilization force in Gaza, saying there will be “no Turkish boots on the ground,” amid reports that Ankara had issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday that he was willing to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio but reiterated that Moscow would not compromise on its main conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
At least two people have died in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered central and eastern regions, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds that knocked out electricity across much of the Bicol region ahead of its anticipated landfall in northern Luzon.
Britain is deploying specialists and equipment to Belgium to assist in tackling a series of disruptive drone sightings that have temporarily shut down airports, the head of the UK armed forces said on Sunday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment