Turkish Cypriot leader rejects proposal on Varosha and Famagusta port

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman officially confirmed on October 21, 2026, that he rejected a proposal from Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides regarding the fenced-off area of Varosha and the port of Famagusta. The proposal suggested placing Varosha under United Nations administration in accordance with Security Council resolutions, combined with opening the port of Famagusta to direct trade under European Union supervision.

Erhurman labeled the plan unbalanced, stating that the port of Famagusta is not closed and arguing that the fundamental issue remains the inability of the Turkish Cypriot side to conduct direct trade with the EU. He further noted that he asked President Christodoulides if the EU’s Direct Trade Regulation would be implemented as part of this deal, receiving a negative response. Erhurman claimed the formula is not new, citing similar proposals rejected in 2006 during the term of Mehmet Ali Talat.

Government spokesperson Giannis Antoniou described the proposal as a fair confidence-building measure. While Erhurman stated he remains open to negotiations, he insists on thorough preparation and progress on substantive issues, such as the rotating presidency model, before returning to formal talks. The current status involves a stalemate, as both sides maintain differing views on the methodology required to restart the Cyprus peace process.