The Communist Initiative of Cyprus (Κομμουνιστική Πρωτοβουλία Κύπρου /Kıbrıs Komünist İnisiyatifi) has issued a statement responding to the election of Tufan Erhürman as the new leader in the occupied north, warning that his victory should not be seen as a step toward resolving the Cyprus problem or ending the island’s division.
While many analysts have described Erhürman’s election as an opportunity to restart peace talks, the Communist Initiative describes such expectations as “diplomatic” rather than substantive.
While many analysts have described Erhürman’s election as an opportunity to restart peace talks, the Communist Initiative describes such expectations as “diplomatic” rather than substantive.
It criticizes Erhürman’s support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with “sovereign equality,” interpreting it as a form of confederation that could consolidate the division of Cyprus.
The statement also highlights Erhürman’s declared commitment to maintain close consultation with Turkey in foreign policy, and recalls his earlier pledge that he would “never come into conflict” with Ankara—points which, according to the Initiative, confirm that Turkish control over the occupied territories remains decisive.
Citing the severe economic and social problems facing the Turkish-Cypriot community, the Initiative says that Erhürman’s promises—including “European citizenship” for settlers—do not challenge but rather reinforce the structures of domination.
Reaffirming its own long-standing position, the Communist Initiative describes the Cyprus problem as an international issue of invasion and occupation resulting from imperialist intervention. It reiterates that leadership changes in the north cannot alter the fundamental reality of foreign military presence and subordination to NATO and Turkish interests.
Concluding, the organization calls on working people across both communities to reject imperialist-managed solutions and to struggle jointly for peace, independence, and social emancipation—“for a Cyprus free from occupation, bases, and exploitation.”
The statement also highlights Erhürman’s declared commitment to maintain close consultation with Turkey in foreign policy, and recalls his earlier pledge that he would “never come into conflict” with Ankara—points which, according to the Initiative, confirm that Turkish control over the occupied territories remains decisive.
Citing the severe economic and social problems facing the Turkish-Cypriot community, the Initiative says that Erhürman’s promises—including “European citizenship” for settlers—do not challenge but rather reinforce the structures of domination.
Reaffirming its own long-standing position, the Communist Initiative describes the Cyprus problem as an international issue of invasion and occupation resulting from imperialist intervention. It reiterates that leadership changes in the north cannot alter the fundamental reality of foreign military presence and subordination to NATO and Turkish interests.
Concluding, the organization calls on working people across both communities to reject imperialist-managed solutions and to struggle jointly for peace, independence, and social emancipation—“for a Cyprus free from occupation, bases, and exploitation.”
