On October 19, elections were held in Northern Cyprus. The Supreme Electoral Commission announced that Tufan Erhürman was elected president. Ersin Tatar, supported by Turkey, came in second in the elections.
The new president's views on foreign policy issues do not align with the position of the Turkish government. Erhürman opposes the Turkish government's proposal regarding Northern Cyprus. Erhürman advocates for returning to federation-based negotiations with the Republic of Cyprus instead of the two-state solution supported by Ankara. He also stated during his campaign that if elected, he would resume official talks with the Republic of Cyprus, which were suspended in 2017.
Experts say that the new president will definitely consult with Turkey on foreign policy issues. "Of course, I will fulfill my obligations, especially regarding foreign policy, in close consultation with the Republic of Turkey. No one should have any doubts or concerns about this," Erhürman stated in an interview with the Turkish press.
In this regard, it is interesting how Erhürman, the leader of the Republican Turkish Party, will establish relations with the Organization of Turkic States. It should be noted that Northern Cyprus is an observer member in the organization.
In a statement to **Modern.az**, former Speaker of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, **Zorlu Töre**, stated that the relations of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with the Organization of Turkic States will continue:
"It does not matter who is elected president. Northern Cyprus is an observer member in the OTS, and our cooperation and unity in this direction will continue. Speaking when in opposition is different. The president has changed, but the government is still the National Unity Party, the Rebirth Party, and the Democratic Party. Only the President has changed."
Z. Töre also emphasized that the new president is obliged to establish good relations with Azerbaijan:
"I don't think he will make fiery speeches like Ersin Tatar, but the same policy will continue. The newly elected president and his party wanted to reach an agreement with the Rums (Greek Cypriots - ed.), which could be a federation. However, the parliament banned the federation meeting. The newly elected president is obliged to comply with this. Otherwise, he will face problems. What matters is the parliament's decision, not what he thinks."
Regarding Tufan Erhürman's stance on the two-state solution, Z. Töre said: "Turkey is the big brother here; no meetings or discussions can be held here without its permission."
