Politis

CTP Criticizes Exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from Cyprus EU Presidency Launch

Published January 9, 2026, 07:26
CTP Criticizes Exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from Cyprus EU Presidency Launch

Fikri Toros, Head of International Relations of the Turkish Cypriot party CTP, expressed strong disappointment over the exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from the launch of the Cyprus EU Presidency. He believes this approach, from both the Greek Cypriot side and European leadership, is “unfortunate” and strengthens the toxic narrative against a solution to the Cyprus issue. Toros emphasized that CTP has consistently been a proponent of a comprehensive solution and that the recent electoral victory of Tufan Erhürman demonstrates the willingness of the Turkish Cypriot community to engage in renewed negotiations. Furthermore, he argued that the exclusion contradicts President Christodoulides' statements regarding improving Turkey-EU relations and restarting talks, raising questions about their sincerity. Finally, Toros stated that the EU undermines its principles by excluding one of the two communities, making Cyprus appear solely Greek Cypriot, and called on the international community to act for substantial progress.