Fifty years have passed since the illegal Turkish invasion and Cyprus remains the only divided country in Europe. The Cyprus issue has been a problem of invasion and occupation since 1974, a reality that is universally accepted by the world community, with the sole exception of Turkey. After all, it is the latter that, in violation of international law and misinterpreting the system of guarantees of the Republic of Cyprus, illegally possesses the northern part of the island, with the pseudo-state being the main exponent of its will.
Half a century has passed without a solution being found. There were more or less favorable moments in the process of negotiating a solution. Today, it is necessary to create conditions for the resumption of discussions.
Everyone now understands that the status quo in Cyprus cannot continue. The de facto division is unacceptable and is practically not in line with the interests of all Cypriots, nor with the need for regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. And, of course, Turkey’s absurd and unrealistic positions find no response in the international community. Despite UN Security Council resolutions, Ankara consistently speaks of the alleged existence of “two state entities on the island” in its attempt to promote the two-state solution and the de jure division of Cyprus. This idea is rejected by everyone, including the UN, the US and the EU, because it would amount to legitimizing the gains of the 50-year invasion and occupation.
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AGAINST Ankara has repeatedly suggested a confederation solution. This idea is rejected because it involves the indirect recognition of two state entities, which would equate the recognised and sovereign Republic of Cyprus with the pseudo-state that calls itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. The main problem with the confederation is that the central authority can represent the constituent states internationally and negotiate on their behalf, but they have separate international jurisdiction. What this means is that the confederated components have the ability to conclude agreements with foreign countries or to have a separate international presence. For example, in a hypothetical confederated Cyprus, Turkey would dream of having two European Commissioners, thinking that the Turkish Cypriot would be its long arm in Brussels. It is obvious that the “solution” of the confederation is completely incompatible with the European acquis.
The only The sustainable solution for Cyprus is the one that has been discussed at the UN for decades, namely a bizonal and communal federation. Such a solution would be sustainable, as it would provide a single legal personality, a single sovereignty and a single citizenship for its citizens. I support the issue of single citizenship, as it is an important aspect of the solution. Its existence and its implementation by the central authority are of particular importance, otherwise there is a risk of massive granting of Cypriot citizenship to Turkish citizens. It is clear that a federation does not serve Ankara’s traditional policy of treating the Turkish Cypriot community as its involuntary satellite.
TODAYeveryone must act. Cyprus cannot keep up with the reality shaped by the occupier Attila. In a region where regional conflicts “produce more history than can be consumed”, a just and peaceful resolution of the Cyprus question based on international law is the only way to ensure long-term stability. For Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cyprus is a national priority and cooperation with the Cypriot government is stable and close. Any progress in Greek-Turkish relations always benefits Cyprus. Of course, the reverse is also true. Any negative move by Turkey in Cyprus cannot but negatively affect Greek-Turkish relations. There is no room for “games” on the big island. However, no substantial steps can be taken if Turkey does not understand that the conditions of occupation of Cyprus must be annulled.