The Statesman Newspaper (Pakistan)

16.03.2006

The Cyprus predicament continues to linger without any possible and immediate solution on the horizon. The island was pushed towards anarchy in 1963 when Turkish Cypriots foiled Greek Cypriots’ attempt to turn them into a minority by bringing about changes in the constitution. The Turks, ostensibly, had no choice but to reject vehemently the proposed amendments and wage a struggle for preserving their rights. The situation kept on drifting towards precipice each passing day and reached a point where Turkish troops were left with the sole option of launching the peace operation, in 1974, in order to prevent island’s Enosis (union with Greece). In 1983, Turkish Cypriots proclaimed independence.

The international community, particularly the respective Turkish governments have ever since been coordinating closely for a permanent settlement of the conflict. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s government resolved to take this challenge head-on when it decided to support the UN-sponsored referendum, held on 24 April 2004, in which opinion was sought for or against the re-union of the South and North parts. Turkish Cypriots supported the UN plan overwhelmingly while the Greeks turned it down saying they would frustrate each and every attempt which would lead them to sharing of power with Turkish Cypriots. The Greek "No" killed prospects of any possible and early settlement.

The Turkish and TRNC governments, on the contrary, did not lose hope and continued pursuing their endeavours for the re-union of the island. On 24 January 2006, Turkey took a fresh and bold initiative towards the Cyprus reunification by introducing a new set of proposals and an action plan on lifting of restrictions, with a view to eliminating the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, imposed by the world community.

The six-point action plan envisaged opening of seaports of Turkey to Greek Cypriot vessels; allowing Greek Cypriot air carriers to use the Turkish air space; opening of ports in North Cyprus, including Gazimagosa, Girne and Gemikonagi to international traffic; opening of Ercan airport for direct flights; special arrangements for practical inclusion of North Cyprus, as an economic entity, into the European Union’s customs union; participation of the Turkish Cypriot side in the international sports, cultural and other social activities.

Besides, the Turkish government proposed four steps for the implementation of the action plan; 1) a high-level meeting will be convened not later than May/June 2006 under the auspices of the UN with the participation of Turkey, Greece, the Greek Cypriot side to give final shape to the proposed action plan; 2) the action plan and outcome of the meeting were to be submitted by the UN secretary general to the UN Security Council; 3) the assistance, particularly to the Turkish Cypriot side, of the UN and the EU Commission would help facilitate the implementation of the proposed measures; 4) the action plan would, in no way, prejudice legal and political positions of the parties concerned. It would be aimed at bringing about an environment of cooperation and mutual trust with a comprehensive settlement perspective to the Cyprus issue.

"The recent proposed action plan is a very constructive and genuine initiative in order to overcome the impasse. The package not only meets the expectations of the international community but also paves the way for the resumption of the negotiations. The Turkish Cyprus government believes that Europe should pay heed to these proposals that are duly in line with EU’s expectations from Turkey", said Sadettin Topukcu, the Representative of Turkish Cyprus government in Islamabad.

To the utter disappointment of Turkey in particular and the international community in general, a plan that even had the backing of the US, Italy, UK, Spain and OIC, was rejected by the Greek Cypriot government alleging that Turkey’s latest proposals were aimed at granting legitimacy to the "secessionist entity" and Turkey seeks to gain additional benefits and tries to involve the UN in an issue which concerns the EU.

The European Union, despite its assurances that it would strive for an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people, seems little bothered about its promises and vows. It, instead, continues to extend its fullest benevolence to the Greek Cypriot government in a fashion in which the latter takes pride in trampling the wishes of the international community. "The TRNC asks the EU to adopt a constructive approach in order to strike a settlement, which will serve the interest of the two peoples of Cyprus. It is unfortunate that the EU, instead of taking conducive actions by considering, the action plan of Turkey, has decided to separate two combined draft resolutions, one of which was designed to ensure trade between the EU and TRNC and the other to provide 130 million euros to TRNC. The separation of two resolutions from each other and deciding to release this small amount of financial aid to TRNC while suspending the passage of the regulation of trade to an indefinite time, which is more needed than a financial aid, is like putting the cart before the horse and of further deepening the mistrust", remarked Topukcu.

On the other hand, the Cyprus issue continues to serve as a dangling sword for Turkey’s entry into the European Union, as the EU wants Turkey to manoeuvre a solution that is acceptable to the Greek Cypriot government. As a matter of fact, there was no such condition imposed at the time of admitting Turkish application for membership at the EU Helsinki summit, in 1999, but when Turkey was offered to open accession negotiations last year, it was pressurised to galvanise Turkish Cypriot government into a patch up with the Greek side.

"It is difficult to say that the process of accession negotiations of Turkey with the EU will be smooth when the EU’s one-sided approach continues on the Cyprus issue. The EU’s position on Cyprus by allowing the Greek Cypriot administration to put the Cyprus issue before Turkey as if the only party to solve it were Turkey, will not be beneficial to EU-Turkey relations. The current circumstances, which have come about by the intransigent attitude of the Greek Cypriot administration, clearly prove that as long as the EU does not take the required step, the accession negotiations with Turkey will never be a genuine one with an uncertain conclusion", said Sadettin Topukcu. He also feared that the worsening of the prevailing situation will lead to a tension in the region. Turkish Cypriot side believes that the deadlock can be overcome by studying the latest Turkish proposals which will not only produce a conducive atmosphere but will also bring stability to the region, he added.

There is no second referendum in sight, as predicted by most of the diplomats and those linked with this issue, but they still believe it may be possible provided talks are re-started in line with the Annan Plan. The Greek Cypriot side, by using its EU membership as a political leverage, continues to reject every favourable attempt which can pave the way for resumption of a dialogue.

The European Union has a moral onus of working for an early settlement of the issue, and releasing of the monetary support announced for the Turkish Cyprus people some time ago. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world. The EU should take this division as a daunting challenge, which if not addressed at the right time, would impact on its integrity and credibility.