Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

Will 2009 bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus?

27.12.2008

özcan özcanhan



President Talat had forecast a breakthrough by the end of year 2008. Soon after, President Christofias corrected his remark by saying that a solution would be found not in 2008 but in 2009.
The two elected leaders of the two communities - some prefer ‘the two peoples’ - have been meeting since March 2008.
The 23 May and the Ghambari agreements made between the two leaders, accompanied later by the statements of the UN Special Advisor to Cyprus, Alexander Downer, had raised hopes for a Cyprus settlement in the near future.
It will be recalled that Downer had said that he had been encouraged by the commitment of the leaders to work hard to find a comprehensive solution at their friendly meetings held in a cordial atmosphere.
Months have passed since those optimistic approaches and statements. On Monday 22 December we noticed that Downer’s feelings of encouragement have been replaced by feelings of discouragement.
Progress at the talks has been slow, but Downer tried to hide his heartbreak by saying that this was a very difficult question and that it would take time to solve it. He called for faster negotiations.
So far, the two negotiators have dwelt at length on ‘governance, federal public service, power sharing, justice’. They have not, yet, moved onto the most thorny property issue and the long list of chapters.
The last joint statement, on 22 December, read out by Downer admitted: “Although some progress has been made, it has been insufficient.”
Nevertheless, the two leaders re-affirmed: “We assure you, we will do all in our power to reach a settlement as soon as possible.”
How long is it meant by “as soon as possible”?
Will the year 2009 bring peace and prosperity to Cyprus and its peoples?
Given the positions and demands of the two sides, this seems unlikely, but, not impossible. It needs courage, political determination free from ulterior, sinister motives.
In Ankara Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan suggested to Downer that should a time limit be set for the duration of the Cyprus talks that may speed up progress.
However, the firm stand by the Greek Cypriot side on the rejection of arbitration and time-tables leaves no room for optimism.
Downer has been asked specific questions by the Greek Cypriot media about his talks in Ankara and whether he (Downer) had said that the Annan Plan was a good opportunity for a solution and whether he had criticised the EU and had said that it was a mistake to accept Cyprus as a member of the European Union.
Downer’s reaction was smart: “When I was in Turkey I said nothing to the media and I discussed nothing with the media.”
To Turkish officials; did he say anything of that sort to Turkish officials?
“I am not going into anything I said to any officials on any occasions,” was Downer’s firm reply.
There was another disappointing question for the UN advisor.
Would the UN stop their efforts if there was no solution in 2009, leaving Cyprus permanently divided?
Downer said, “The UN looks forward to a productive year - the next year of discussions.” When asked, “What about stopping UN efforts?” There was no direct answer to that point.
The fact that the two leaders made a joint statement was encouraging and a positive development for Downer.
This sounds as if the two leaders had never made joint statements before.
On numerous occasions statements have been read out by the UN resident representative in Cyprus and by Downer himself.
From my point of view, as a journalist who has been covering the Cyprus talks since 1968, Mr. Downer, like all the previous UN officials, mediators, advisers and special representatives, has to tell us fairy tales in order to keep the wheel grinding with continued oiling. He is not the one to be blamed for the slow progress - or no progress at all - at the Cyprus bargaining table.
Talat and Christofias, who have devoted most of their life for the common people and who have committed themselves “to find a comprehensive, mutually acceptable, honourable Cyprus settlement” will have to live up to their commitments in the New Year. Words are easy, but deeds are not as easy.
Let them show their love for the common homeland and for the two peoples with their deeds, NOT WORDS.
Let us not waste another year. Let us all make 2009 a year of peace, a final solution, security, stability and co-existence, despite the pressing universal economic crisis.

[Viewpoint]

Fat chance, without time frames these talks will go on and on and on and on and on........the GC ploy is to corner Turkey at the end to 2009 to apply pressure to get what they want which is not what the TCs want which the TCs will reject in the next referendum allowing Turkey to continue on her path in the EU.

[wallace]

Fat chance, without time frames these talks will go on and on and on and on and on........the GC ploy is to corner Turkey at the end to 2009 to apply pressure to get what they want which is not what the TCs want which the TCs will reject in the next referendum allowing Turkey to continue on her path in the EU.

No solution.....no EU for Turkey. Part of the solution is the troops out of the island.......so oeven if the TC's reject...the troops will have to leave....otherwise.....no EU

[Viewpoint]

Fat chance, without time frames these talks will go on and on and on and on and on........the GC ploy is to corner Turkey at the end to 2009 to apply pressure to get what they want which is not what the TCs want which the TCs will reject in the next referendum allowing Turkey to continue on her path in the EU.

No solution.....no EU for Turkey. Part of the solution is the troops out of the island.......so oeven if the TC's reject...the troops will have to leave....otherwise.....no EU

Doesnt look to good for Turkey on the EU front then?