Firstly, I believe that a federal system under one umbrella consisting of two autonomous constituent areas defies the main principals of EU Constitutional law – and is not practical, especially for Cyprus. Here are my reasons for the above statement:
1) A Federal system consisting of a loose central government and two state areas (regardless of what it is called; constituent or component or even federated) will inevitably lead to confrontation of some kind. For Cyprus, a solution based on such a Federal approach is, in my opinion, not a logical “Inter” strategy considering how "on the trigger" we are on most Cypriot related Security issues.
2) One of the Federal components could easily “Chose” to operate as a unitary system instead of agreeing to participate under one “Federal Government”. There can be no holds on this type of decision. Very dangerous if the TCs (Turkish Cypriots - or Turkish Cypriot State - after a solution) decides to do this!
3) A sudden decision, in the name of security and guarantee, by the TC constituent to secure (What it would refer to as its) “Borderline” with the use of military police, and or Turkish (mainland) police. This can not be ignored, and could become a reality if the TCs decide to take certain security issues in their own hands as one of the “Partner” component states. This would be a disaster for the unified country.
4) TCs acting against GC interests at a central governmental level due to sensitivities imposed on them by the Republic of Turkey. This must be seriously considered, and I believe that former President Papadopoulos had a point regarding this issue.
5) Any official “Boundary” or “Restriction” of a Federal system with a loose central government will surely, and eventually, cause severe differences and possible conflicts.
6) Operational and Constitution problems if, as similar to the former Annan Plan, the TC State is allowed (given the constitutional power) to sign “External” agreements without the participation of either the Central or GC state.
7) Eventually, All Federal governments similar to the one that is being sought by our leader are always accused of “Interfering” with “Local” (being Constituent government affairs) government administration and are pushed to ONLY deal with “Unitary” government issues – such as, Sports, Bi-Communal activities and etc, instead of having an iron hand in ALL Island affairs. This, also, would be disastrous for Cyprus.
The overlapping, shared, different levels of a Federal system based on two inter-states is not only a Confusing situation for a large country, but even more confusing for such a small country like Cyprus. Under such a “Complex” system of affairs, as seen by many former “European” countries, the overall result is bound to be “Partition”. But, unfortunately, not one that will be based on our basis!! This is the difference between seeking an agreed partition from the onset as opposed to one that is suddenly imposed.
9) The United States adopted its “First” Constitution in 1781!!!! Can you imagine how many alterations our Constitution will be “FORCED” to make every time the “Turkish Cypriot State” REFUSES to agree on an amendment?
10) FINALLY: But not least!!!!
Let’s say that a federal formula based on two constituent states under a central government (No MATTER what type) is signed and sealed. Then, let’s say it’s the year 2018 and the Republic of Turkey has now suddenly become an EU member state with a population close to 80 odd million. Now, at that point, let’s say that the TC-State has open handily started accepting EU member Turkish settlers until their “Allowed” quota (according to the EU for migration from other EU states) is reached, but has decided to allow a significant number exceeding this quota. Let’s say the issue is brought to court! Do you think the control of these new EU migrants will stop while the COURTS and LEGAL system is fighting it?
So, what am I getting at you may be wonder?
Well, perhaps certain practical truths are interfering with your too liberal judgement of how close Turkey is to Cyprus. How, under a FEDERAL government, the Turkish Cypriot State would be able to OBJECT to any motion in court, delay any agreement until it’s too LATE! Thus, Cyprus would, depending on the nature of Turkish politics – and we know how blistering that is! And in due course, become a country majority- populated by Turks who’ll call themselves Turkish Cypriots!!!
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