Izzet Izcan criticizes Turkish Cypriot leadership over Cyprus issue

Izzet Izcan, president of the United Cyprus Party in the occupied territories, recently criticized the leadership of Tufan Erhurman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding their handling of the Cyprus issue. Speaking at a meeting in the occupied areas ahead of diplomatic discussions in New York, Izcan condemned the current political stagnation and the promotion of a two-state solution, which he argues will destroy the Turkish Cypriot community.

Izcan advocates for a united, bicommunal, and bizonal federal Cyprus, consistent with UN Security Council resolutions. He specifically accused Erhurman of using blame-shifting tactics, such as focusing on concepts like political equality and alleged embargoes, to avoid constructive negotiations. Furthermore, Izcan rejected the assertion that the European Union should be excluded from the process, insisting that the EU must remain a party to negotiations and that any final settlement must be compatible with the European acquis.

The political climate remains tense as international stakeholders meet in New York to discuss the future of the island. Izcan’s statements underscore the internal divisions among Turkish Cypriots, as he positions himself against the policies of the current leadership, calling for a return to federalist negotiations instead of the path of partition.