Hopes rise for Ottoman-era peace in Cyprus
Mehmet Hasgüler The year 2008 will be a significant year for the re-shaping of the Cyprus problem, according to Associate Professor Mehmet Hasgüler, an expert on international relations.
Hasgüler says the Greek Cypriot presidential elections scheduled for February might be a turning point for the settlement of the decades-old Cyprus dispute, raising hopes for the re-establishment of the peace the island saw during the Ottoman era.
In an exclusive in interview with Today's Zaman Hasgüler says, "Either an Ottoman peace plan or a final division of the island will be made certain this year." He stresses that the choice of the Greek community in the upcoming presidential elections will determine which path the Greek public will take. According to him, the left-wing Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL), which has nominated Dimitris Christofias, will boost hopes for the settlement of peace on the island if it can defeat Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos in the run-off round.
Hasgüler says that Papadopoulos is losing his popularity among the Greek Cypriots due to his objection to the Annan Plan -- a UN proposal for the settlement of the dispute over the divided island nation of Cyprus through the formation of the United Cyprus Republic. The plan would have allowed Greek Cypriots immigrants to gradually take return to their properties on the north side of the island. Papadopoulos is not likely to be elected in the first round of the presidential vote. Hasgüler says, "Although Papadopoulos, who has been given bad reviews both by the international community and the Greek Cypriots, seems to be in the lead now, the presidential elections will be concluded in the runoffs." In Hasgüler's view, AKEL leader Christofias will receive votes from the opponents of Papadopoulos in the runoff and make it to the presidency, which will pave the way for the launch of efforts for a solution on the divided island. " Except for the radicals, the majority of the Greek Cypriots will not oppose the re-establishment of the Ottoman-era peace that lasted for 307 years on the island," he says.
Hasgüler stresses that it is crucial for Turkey, Greece and both communities on the island to launch efforts for a solution before the international community takes action following the election results. "Papadopoulos has fallen into the situation of [former Turkish Cyprus President Rauf Denktaş]. The international community and the Greek community are seeking ways for a solution. The nationalists, the Church and the Archbishop support Papadopoulos. Yet, if Christofias wins the elections, he will have more space for maneuver," he said.
In the event that Papadopoulos is re-elected, Hasgüler warns that division on the island will increase.
Ottoman era peace
Under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the Muslims and Christians on the island lived in peace for 307 years, recalls Hasgüler: "It is necessary to restore the Ottoman understanding of peace, tolerance and initiative. The Cyprus dispute can only be settled with such an understanding."
According to Hasgüler, an Ottoman-style peace plan would be more meaningful than other peace plans that have been proposed for the island. "We really need to refresh our memories. … When we start talking about that period of peace, our point will immediately be appreciated. The 307-year Ottoman rule on the island was better than the 87-year British rule. Thus, the Ottoman peace plan is more appropriate than the British peace plan." He voices his hope that, if such a plan is introduced, the Greek Cypriots will appreciate it more than any other peace plans proposed for the island.
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