07/19/2000

Cyprus Proximity Talks

On July 19, 2000, ISCA participated in a symposium that outlined the developments of negotiations between the Greek Cypriots and Northern Cyprus. Both regimes have been actively engaged in proximity talks over the past several months, the third round of which took place in Geneva, Switzerland this month.  The platform of the respective parties has been as follows:

1.       Greek Cypriots: Their position is to consider Cyprus a single sovereign nation with one citizenship, but comprised of two equal political parties who would form the bipartisan government.

1. They want no partition or union with any other country, including Greece or Turkey.
2. They also insist on a demilitarization of the republic from the Turkish forces in Northern Cyprus.

2.      President Dentash will not accept a single federation due to its previous failure in the 1970’s and suggests a co-federation status instead.  The co-federation would acknowledge the existence of two separate states, equal in political recognition and sovereignty.  Each federation would maintain its own government, army, citizenship, etc..

3.       Though deadlocked on the issue of federation, the negotiating process is a positive step towards the resolution of the conflict.  Both the U.N. and the U.S. are taking an active role in the deliberations and hope to facilitate a resolution.

4.       One of the conditions of resolution is Cyprus’ admission into the European Union.  If Cyprus is admitted, its citizens will enjoy all the privileges of citizenship including increased access to world economic markets, free education in any state of the EU, increased safety and security from oppositional forces.

5.       The Greek Cypriots have guaranteed if a settlement is reached and Cyprus is admitted into the EU, all economic development funds provided by the EU would go directly to the Northern Cypriot region first to facilitate its economic revitalization, productivity, and job market.

6.       Admission into the EU for Cyprus could also translate into lower rates of inflation and interest rates, coupled with an increase in financial prosperity.

7.       Another potential benefit to resolution of the conflict and an agreement to de-militarize the region would be that all excess revenue previously allocated by both regimes for military could then be redirected for social programs, economic progress, and community development.

8.       Northern Cyprus truly would have the most to gain from admission into the EU.  The economic development of their territory would increase dramatically as EU banking, commerce, trade, and capital infusion are directed to the populace.  Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism would increase almost instantaneously.

Inshallah, the parties will reach a mutually beneficial and amenable settlement.  We pray for the prosperity of Northern Cyprus and its citizens.