Cyprus-Forum.com

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THE ASSOCIATION FOR CYPRIOT, GREEK & TURKISH AFFAIRS

30 October 2009

(see link to the 102 minute video of this event below)

The Cyprus Referendum - Citizen perceptions
and the role of the leadership in the uphill path towards a solution

A talk by Chrysostomos Pericleous, author of the recent book 'The Cyprus Referendum: A Divided Island and the Challenge of the Annan Plan', (London: IB Tauris, 2009)

Chairman: Dr Othon Anastasakis
Director of South East European Studies, St Anthony’s College, Oxford


Abstract:

The incompatible envisioning of the future of Cyprus by Greek and Turkish Cypriots throughout the 20th century has been the main cause of the protracted Cyprus crisis. The shift of Turkish Cypriots towards Cypriotism and their approach to a common vision during their uprising against the Denktas regime in 2000-2003 had been a turning point, the message of which the Greek Cypriots failed to take on board, as they also failed to decode the unprecedented convergence of events on the “grand chessboard” which created a unique solution timing. Their perception of the Cyprus problem, along with the confusion caused by petty party politics and inadequate conservative leaderships, prevented them from rationally analyzing and politically appreciating the new perspectives opened before them by the solution prospect within the promising European framework. However, the downfall of Papadopoulos in 2008 bore evidence of a rethinking and soul searching internal process within the Greek Cypriot community. It was this re-orientation that brought Christofias to power and it is with this backing that he has reinvigorated the negotiation process in search of a solution.


Details:

'The Cyprus Referendum' by Chrysostomos Pericleous

The Cyprus referendum of 2004 was a definitive moment in the recent history of Cyprus. The island’s future hung in the balance – specifically the fate of the controversial Annan Plan, which proposed the creation of a single United Cyprus Republic with two constituent states. Accepted by the Turkish side but rejected by Greek Cypriots, the Plan was not implemented. In this balanced account of a highly charged period, Chrysostomos Pericleous offers an exhaustive treatment of the events that culminated in the referendum and through his comparative study, explains the positions ultimately taken by Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

'The Cyprus Referendum' presents the definitive account of the course of action taken by President Tassos Papadopoulos and his ruling coalition which ultimately led to the resounding ‘No’ vote on the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriots at the referendum. Pericleous places the events on the island within a wider global context, focusing especially on the re-orientation of US foreign policy in the Greece-Turkey-Cyprus triangle. Drawing together all the evidence, the author explores the consequences for the island and whether the rejection of the referendum will lead to a period of decline for Cyprus unless a dramatic change occurs in Greek Cypriot politics.

An important contribution to the study of Cypriot politics, 'The Cyprus Referendum' provides readers with a deeper insight into the broader political framework within which the UN peace initiative in Cyprus has developed. It is a meticulous study of a critical moment in Cypriot history and the depth of its research makes the book invaluable for anyone interested in the island – past, present and future.

Chrysostomos Pericleous is a freelance writer and journalist with first hand experience in the politics of Cyprus. Educated in London and Exeter as well as Cyprus, he has published a number of articles and essays as well as two books, 'The Cyprus Problem' and a collection of poetry.


Praise for 'The Cyprus Referendum'

“Pericleous has researched the international events leading to the April 2004 referendum with enormous care and diligence, covering almost everything published in Greek and English and this is an important and original scholarly contribution.” – Michalis Attalides, Rector of the University of Nicosia, Cyprus.

“I fully endorse his critical approach and scientific documentation, his deep political and historical insight, the integrity of his judgment and evaluations, and the high academic standards he has achieved. It is a lively and cohesive narrative … and the ability of the author to grasp the drama in which leaders, social actors, and the people of Cyprus as a whole are entangled, makes it a book for a much wider readership.” – George Papadimitriou, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Athens.

“Pericleous presents a comparative study on the Cyprus Conflict and contributes substantially to a better understanding of the recent political history of Cyprus… I firmly believe that this book will fulfil the gap on the recent political developments in and around Cyprus.” – Niyazi Kizilyurek, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Cyprus.

Video of the talk and of the question and answer session is available online at:

http://bit.ly/2W3awE