TRNC president presents four-point Cyprus plan in first UN meeting with Guterres

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman has held his first official meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the world body's New York headquarters. The Wednesday talks, described by the TRNC Presidency as conducted in a positive atmosphere, focused extensively on the decades-old Cyprus dispute and evolving regional dynamics affecting the eastern Mediterranean island.

Four-Point Framework and Confidence-Building Update

During the bilateral encounter, Erhurman conveyed to Guterres his previously announced four-point methodology regarding the settlement process, outlining his vision for advancing negotiations. The TRNC leader also provided a comprehensive update on recent developments concerning confidence-building measures, demonstrating the Turkish Cypriot side's constructive approach to revitalizing dialogue. Erhurman reiterated that the internationally recognized but unenforced isolations against Turkish Cypriots must be lifted without further procrastination.

UN Confirms Introductory Talks

A UN readout confirmed the meeting served as an introduction between the secretary-general and the newly elected TRNC president, with discussions covering the path forward on the Cyprus issue. The encounter marks Guterres's first direct engagement with Erhurman since his election victory last October.

Historical Context of the Cyprus Dispute

The meeting occurs against the backdrop of a conflict tracing back to the 1960s, when ethnic attacks forced Turkish Cypriots into enclaves. Following a 1974 Greek Cypriot coup aimed at union with Greece, Türkiye intervened as guarantor power, leading to the TRNC's establishment in 1983. Despite numerous UN-led initiatives, including a failed 2017 Swiss conference, a comprehensive settlement remains elusive. Greek Cypriots joined the EU in 2004 after unilaterally rejecting that year's UN reunification plan.