Tufan Erhürman denies claims regarding Varosha proposal

TRNC President Tufan Erhürman has rejected allegations that he initially accepted a proposal from Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodulidis regarding the status of Varosha (Maraş), only to later reject it following instructions from Turkey.

Erhürman characterized the reports, which originated in the Greek Cypriot press, as “leaks,” “distortions,” and “manipulations.” He questioned how a Greek Cypriot journalist could know the details of a private meeting held with Christodulidis, noting that the discussions took place behind closed doors. Erhürman stated that he has not met with Christodulidis since before his visit to New York and challenged the logic of the claims, asking where he could have possibly said “no” if he had already agreed to a proposal.

The controversy stems from a reported proposal to open Varosha under United Nations administration for the return of pre-1974 residents, in exchange for the internationalization of Famagusta Port under European Union Commission supervision.