Impasse
12.12.2008
Ozcan Ozcanhan
*If Turkey does not want a solution there cannot be one
* The deadlock will not help either side
SIMERINI, the right-wing Greek Cypriot newspaper, has published an exclusive interview with the Turkish Cypriot Presidential Spokesman, Hasan Ercakica.
Interviewer Halil Tumer put very intelligent questions to Mr. Ercakica, who frankly answered and reflected the Turkish Cypriot view on the current talks between Christofias and Talat – the leaders of the two communities.
Having read the full text of the interview I have come to the conclusion that the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey want a speedy solution of the Cyprus problem.
But, having read the statement by Mr. Stefanou, the Greek Cypriot Spokesperson for President Demetris Christofias, my hopes were dashed.
In the HARAVGI interview Stefanos Stefanou complained about the slow tempo at the negotiating table and put all the blame on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side by repeating the well known arguments of the Greek side. He claims that President Christofias is working with goodwill for a solution which he longs for. He doubts whether the other side (the Turkish side) wants a just and acceptable solution ...
I dare re-assure Stefanou and Christofias that President Talat and Turkey also DO WANT a fair and peaceful settlement in Cyprus. But, although the declared positions of the two sides reveal that a federal solution is desired, Mr. Christofias and his spokesman rules out bizonality and accuses the Turkish side with demanding the division of the island into two founding states which “we will never accept”. How can this remark be defined?
Where is the goodwill and political determination for an amicable Cyprus settlement in that clear statement?
No wonder that the Turkish Cypriot Presidential Spokesman Mr. Ercakica spoke about a possible deadlock “which the Turkish side is trying to avert” because such an eventuality won’t be beneficial for either side.
Efforts by the Greek side to put the blame on the Turkish side and Turkey for a stalemate are futile.
Yes, it is true that Talat is in constant touch with Ankara, as is Christofias with Athens. But, Talat cannot be described “a stooge of Ankara” just because he cooperates with and consults Turkey. Has it not become evident that without Turkey the Cyprus problem cannot be solved? Have the Greek Cypriot political leaders not seen this reality?
In his statement to SIMERINI Mr. Ercakica emphasised once more that “if Turkey does not want a solution there can be no settlement in Cyprus.” He was answering Tumer’s question about Turkey’s alleged reluctance over a solution.
I do not see any point in the Greek endeavour to muster support from the EU, Britain, Russia or China against the leading role of Turkey in a Cyprus solution through peaceful negotiations under UN auspices. By pulling Cyprus off course into adventurist paths Christofias will bring no benefits to the Cypriot Greeks. Therefore, the Talat-Christofias talks for a negotiated peaceful settlement must continue at whatever speed. But a little quicker pace will not hurt anyone. That, which will hurt and harm the peoples of Cyprus, is a possible deadlock at the talks, as indicated by Ercakica.
Governance, power-sharing, legislature, property and several other issues will be taken up and will be placed in one of the three baskets, mentioned by UN Cyprus Adviser Alexander Downer. Progress may be slow and there can be no breakthrough before the European Parliamentary elections in 2009. But the talks have to continue. There is no other alternative. Dialogue, talking and bargaining are far better than moaning, complaining and quarrelling. The parties to the dispute have to evaluate what is at stake if the talks are suspended or halted altogether.
Mr. Ercakica has emphasised that such an outcome must be avoided. “It is yet too early to speak about an impasse. The parties are trying to avert a stalemate. They are only at the start now. In any case, a deadlock cannot be ruled out altogether, but, any deadlock will not be beneficial for either side,” was the answer by Ercakica to a question by Halil Tumer about a possible breakdown and standstill in the negotiations.
** UN and EU INVOLVEMENT**
I have been writing about the Cyprus problem since 1968 when the UN-commissioned intercommunal talks started in Lebanon.
Scores of UN Security Council resolutions have been passed; many Cyprus-solution-plans and formula have been drafted and offered to the peoples of Cyprus.
At some time, Belgium or Swiss model federal settlement have been brought up, to no avail.
The UN and the EU are deeply involved. I have noticed that they have intensified their interferences and contributions for a final settlement. But, given the positions of the two antagonistic parties in Cyprus, I think they have no chance of success.
That is why, I believe, the UN Secretary-General in his latest report to the security council has recommended the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP for another six months. He must have thought that the half-century old Cyprus knot will be undone in the next six months. Maybe … if Turkey helps. Without Turkey there can be no solution, as underlined by Ercakica in the SIMERINI interview.