Cyprus-Forum.com

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The election and our EU process



The results of our general election will have a significant effect on our negotiations with the EU. What exactly will this effect be? In other words how much willpower will the Turkish Cypriots present after 4-5years, following the disappointment of 2004? We should stress the message to the world that we are in favour of a peace settlement in Cyprus which ensures the rights of the Turkish Cypriot population. There is no doubt that the Cyprus issue is an international problem. The election results in the south created a positive atmosphere and are a step forward in settling the issue. The Turkish Cypriot response will be discussed in Turkey, Greece, in the south, the EU and the UN. So what kind of a message do we want to give to the world? While we voted ‘Yes’ in the referendum in 2004 we lost interest when the expected developments did not take place. Do we want to admit that we regret our decision of 2004 or do we want to express to the world that we are heading for a situation which will lead to a permanently divided island?
Differing political views
An interesting election is taking place in North Cyprus. The CTP is preparing for a settlement from a strong position as it has a clear policy of viewing a resolution within the framework of two peoples collaborating. The DP rejected the ‘Yes’ decision of the electorate preferring instead a bi-state settlement and ignored the importance of politics compatible with Turkey. They opted out of a partnership with the government and endangered their political future. The TDP said: “Let’s focus on the rights in 1960” in order to ensure a ‘Yes’ vote in the future and insisted on handling the Cyprus issue incompatible with Turkey; it did progress beyond being a marginal voice. With an attitude that hardened after the referendum, the UBP has been the main defender of separatism in Cyprus. They continue the policy of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and are also guilty of not making efforts to promote the TRNC as claimed by the CTP. When Dervis Eroglu was elected as chairman a separatist stance was expressed by the congress. It is interesting, that although there are only 2 months remaining until the election, the UBP’s vision on the Cyprus issue is not clear and they maintain contradictory positions.
Support for Talat
However, it is understood that they are saying: “If we are to be in government, we are ready to support Talat in his negotiations on behalf of the TRNC.” No doubt those who look from the outside do not want a result that will decrease the settlement hopes in Cyprus. Even a single day is a very long period in diplomacy. We need to express to the world that if the UBP wins the election, Talat’s efforts for a settlement might be hindered, and he might not be able to contribute strongly to the bargaining process because of pressure from the UBP. The clearer we explain this to the EU officials the more they will understand our desire to continue with the process of integration into the EU. No doubt the message that we have in the past experienced disappointments and indeed continue to suffer, we do not give up on our desire to become an integral part of the EU. However, the current election will make the Turkish Cypriots’ hand stronger. On 19 April, in any case, the victory will be the clear decision of a wide cross section of the community that the vision of a settlement based on respect for both peoples on the island is the determined desire of Turkish Cypriots.

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