The Greek Orthodox Church is the main obstacle to resolution in Cyprus
The recent cooperation between Turkey and the EU, which surprised and distressed some members of the European Parliament, is not just because of the issue of refugees. The issue of Cyprus is one of the main reasons for EU attempts to develop close relations with Turkey. Whosoever we talk to in Brussels regarding EU-Turkey relations, the subject always turns to Cyprus after discussing some false expectations with regard to refugees.
2016 is a crucial year for the United Nations and the EU with regard to the Cyprus issue. The EU expects to make significant development toward unifying Cyprus this year. In Brussels, some of those we have talked to claim that the failure or success of all the subjects negotiated between Turkey and the EU will depend on possible developments in Cyprus. So 2016 is likely to be a year during which expectations regarding Cyprus will be heightened even more.
Turkish and Greek Cypriots are close to a positive resolution for the first time. The geography surrounding Cyprus is highly problematic. There are ongoing wars in Syria and Iraq. While Syrian dictator Bashar Assad tyrannizes his people, Israel is unfortunately determined not to allow a single peaceful day to Palestinians. In Egypt, another dictator is allowing the army to disregard democracy. In a nutshell, the Eastern Mediterranean is highly heated due to prevailing terrorism and wars, and Cyprus is the only "calm" location in the midst of all this chaos.
Cyprus has a message to the war zones surrounding it. Cypriots have a chance to become an exemplary symbol of peace in the region if they establish a just and permanent peace on equal terms, form a federal structure instead of the dueling states of Northern and Southern Cyprus, and achieve a peaceful coexistence.
Last week, European Commission Chief Spokesperson Margaritis Schinas expressed that the commission was ready to do anything to catalyze Cyprus peace talks. Describing the Davos panel wherein both community leaders in Cyprus participated as "a good sign," Schinas said the two leaders have much more to say than him, indicating that both sides spoke almost the same language in describing the future.
The negotiations conducted since May 2015 under the supervision of the U.N. with an aim to reunite the island under the umbrella of a federal structure have created even more expectations than the hopes raised in the past by the Annan Plan.
Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are determined to go the full distance on the subject. Turkey continues to surprise everyone with the steps it has taken. One of the best examples of this is that Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) leader Andros Kyprianou met Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Istanbul. Turkey is exerting utmost efforts to contribute to a permanent resolution that will be fair to both sides in Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı, the first Turkish Cypriot leader invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos, expressed the concerns of Cypriots by saying "we are sick and tired of repeated disappointments and unrealized hopes." He also expressed that all parties must face the truth this year, adding that "I wish the process to end with positive results. I hope the subject will be resolved during the first half of the year," showing his determination.
This is the truth. In Brussels, there is no need to doubt the sincerity of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots seeking permanent peace in Cyprus. Just as they proved at Annan Plan referendum in the past, Turkish Cypriots are determined to vote "Yes" this time. They also have the complete support of Turkey. If the decision was up to Turkey and Northern Cyprus, we would not have any doubts in that the federal Cyprus model could be realized at the first half of this year.
But the other side of the coin should also be considered. In Southern Cyprus, a considerable number of people support a resolution. But unfortunately, the bloc opposing resolution is still prominent. Those provoking hostility against Turkish Cypriots and taking advantage of this for decades are still influential. Unfortunately, their number from the Orthodox Church is outstanding. And the influence of the Church on Greek Cypriots is still at the highest level. When racist Greek Cypriots and a group of church members supporting them act together, they form a strong opposition wing. We experienced what this opposition could mean during the Annan Plan referendum. And some of them are now at work, reminiscent of the works during the Annan Plan times.
If the Church, which has nursed for decades among Greek Cypriots a collective hostility of Turkish Cypriots, by means of an educational system based on hostility against Turks, does not take necessary steps and perform its duty with regard to resolution, the consequences will be calamitous. Turkish and Greek Cypriots cannot be sentenced to a deadlock for 50 more years. For this reason, the EU should meticulously determine its steps with regard to supporting resolution proponents in Southern Cyprus. The support of the EU should not play a role in provoking and strengthening resolution dissidents.
The EU has a great responsibility in this respect. The Greek Cypriots siding with resolution will endeavor to persuade their fellow citizens to vote for resolution with the support of the EU, also have a great role in that. And it would not be wrong if we argue that they have a really hard task.
If they do not achieve this time again, Turkish Cypriots will not accept any other development similar to the injustice they were subjected to during the Annan Plan.
In brief, we are close to resolution in Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots and Turkey act clearly upon this subject. Now it is the Southern Cypriots' turn to fulfill their duty.
Greek Cypriots need to be persuaded in this regard, which is another important duty of the EU.
2016 is a crucial year for the United Nations and the EU with regard to the Cyprus issue. The EU expects to make significant development toward unifying Cyprus this year. In Brussels, some of those we have talked to claim that the failure or success of all the subjects negotiated between Turkey and the EU will depend on possible developments in Cyprus. So 2016 is likely to be a year during which expectations regarding Cyprus will be heightened even more.
Turkish and Greek Cypriots are close to a positive resolution for the first time. The geography surrounding Cyprus is highly problematic. There are ongoing wars in Syria and Iraq. While Syrian dictator Bashar Assad tyrannizes his people, Israel is unfortunately determined not to allow a single peaceful day to Palestinians. In Egypt, another dictator is allowing the army to disregard democracy. In a nutshell, the Eastern Mediterranean is highly heated due to prevailing terrorism and wars, and Cyprus is the only "calm" location in the midst of all this chaos.
Cyprus has a message to the war zones surrounding it. Cypriots have a chance to become an exemplary symbol of peace in the region if they establish a just and permanent peace on equal terms, form a federal structure instead of the dueling states of Northern and Southern Cyprus, and achieve a peaceful coexistence.
Last week, European Commission Chief Spokesperson Margaritis Schinas expressed that the commission was ready to do anything to catalyze Cyprus peace talks. Describing the Davos panel wherein both community leaders in Cyprus participated as "a good sign," Schinas said the two leaders have much more to say than him, indicating that both sides spoke almost the same language in describing the future.
The negotiations conducted since May 2015 under the supervision of the U.N. with an aim to reunite the island under the umbrella of a federal structure have created even more expectations than the hopes raised in the past by the Annan Plan.
Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are determined to go the full distance on the subject. Turkey continues to surprise everyone with the steps it has taken. One of the best examples of this is that Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) leader Andros Kyprianou met Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Istanbul. Turkey is exerting utmost efforts to contribute to a permanent resolution that will be fair to both sides in Cyprus.
Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı, the first Turkish Cypriot leader invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos, expressed the concerns of Cypriots by saying "we are sick and tired of repeated disappointments and unrealized hopes." He also expressed that all parties must face the truth this year, adding that "I wish the process to end with positive results. I hope the subject will be resolved during the first half of the year," showing his determination.
This is the truth. In Brussels, there is no need to doubt the sincerity of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots seeking permanent peace in Cyprus. Just as they proved at Annan Plan referendum in the past, Turkish Cypriots are determined to vote "Yes" this time. They also have the complete support of Turkey. If the decision was up to Turkey and Northern Cyprus, we would not have any doubts in that the federal Cyprus model could be realized at the first half of this year.
But the other side of the coin should also be considered. In Southern Cyprus, a considerable number of people support a resolution. But unfortunately, the bloc opposing resolution is still prominent. Those provoking hostility against Turkish Cypriots and taking advantage of this for decades are still influential. Unfortunately, their number from the Orthodox Church is outstanding. And the influence of the Church on Greek Cypriots is still at the highest level. When racist Greek Cypriots and a group of church members supporting them act together, they form a strong opposition wing. We experienced what this opposition could mean during the Annan Plan referendum. And some of them are now at work, reminiscent of the works during the Annan Plan times.
If the Church, which has nursed for decades among Greek Cypriots a collective hostility of Turkish Cypriots, by means of an educational system based on hostility against Turks, does not take necessary steps and perform its duty with regard to resolution, the consequences will be calamitous. Turkish and Greek Cypriots cannot be sentenced to a deadlock for 50 more years. For this reason, the EU should meticulously determine its steps with regard to supporting resolution proponents in Southern Cyprus. The support of the EU should not play a role in provoking and strengthening resolution dissidents.
The EU has a great responsibility in this respect. The Greek Cypriots siding with resolution will endeavor to persuade their fellow citizens to vote for resolution with the support of the EU, also have a great role in that. And it would not be wrong if we argue that they have a really hard task.
If they do not achieve this time again, Turkish Cypriots will not accept any other development similar to the injustice they were subjected to during the Annan Plan.
In brief, we are close to resolution in Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots and Turkey act clearly upon this subject. Now it is the Southern Cypriots' turn to fulfill their duty.
Greek Cypriots need to be persuaded in this regard, which is another important duty of the EU.