Cyprus-Forum.com

[Hermes]

From discussion here it's clear that some TCs are unwilling to espouse a democratic solution because of concerns as to how the terms of the solution would be enforced. So who should enforce a democratic solution after a settlement? If it's not Turkey (unacceptable to the GCs) and it's not the GCs (unacceptable to the TCs), who should guarantee a solution that would be acceptable to all communities on the island?

[helsingfors]

Azerbaijan

[Get Real!]

The word “solution” means different things to different people let alone define and figure out a “guarantee” for it!

[Hermes]

The word “solution” means different things to different people let alone define and figure out a “guarantee” for it!

Not quite, GR. This comes up always in the context of a democratic federal solution under the EU acquis. Who would guarantee a solution under the EU acquis? A strange question I agree. Note that this assumes the internal aspects of a solution are fully in compliance with EU and international law. This is where VP's and some TCs suspicion begins. But if Turkey can't guarantee it because it is unacceptable to us and the GCs can't guarantee it, who would be acceptable to both communities? It's not that difficult surely?

[Hermes]

Vp replies:

We would work together to guarantee all parties complied with a solution agreed between us, plus these are international agreements which should include penalties for reneging parties.

You would have my back and I yours, thats what is called a partnership and looking out for one anothers best interests.

So we don't need Turkey to enforce a settlement or indeed any external guarantors beyond existing EU and international law? We can work things out together. Have I got this right, VP?

[Get Real!]

The word “solution” means different things to different people let alone define and figure out a “guarantee” for it!

Not quite, GR. This comes up always in the context of a democratic federal solution under the EU acquis. Who would guarantee a solution under the EU acquis? A strange question I agree. Note that this assumes the internal aspects of a solution are fully in compliance with EU and international law. This is where VP's and some TCs suspicion begins. But if Turkey can't guarantee it because it is unacceptable to us and the GCs can't guarantee it, who would be acceptable to both communities? It's not that difficult surely?

In that case if you were referring to a BBF or BBC then I honestly think that Turkey should guarantee it because within 20-30 years there won’t be any GCs around to worry about anyway!

[kimon07]

Once a democratic solution is reached, (compatible with International and European law etc) and the Turkish troops and settlers pull out, the participation of CY to the EU is by itself a guarantee that the terms of the solution will be fulfilled provided also that the new constitutional system will be viable and will not cause frictions and state malfunctions.
However, I fully understand the anxiety and the wish of the Turkish Cypriot Minority for additional guaranties regarding their safety and the protection of their rights.
I believe that the establishment of a considerable EU military force on the Island (part of the "Rapid Reaction Force") would be a strong enough guarantee. I would add to that the establishment of a EU Directorate for Middle Easter Affairs and maybe another one for EU Energy Resources Management. These would not only offer ample guarantees in respect to the safety of all Cypriots but it would also upgrade dramatically the role, the influence and the intervention capabilities of the EU in the region.

[Hermes]

Once a democratic solution is reached, (compatible with International and European law etc) and the Turkish troops and settlers pull out, the participation of CY to the EU is by itself a guarantee that the terms of the solution will be fulfilled provided also that the new constitutional system will be viable and will not cause frictions and state malfunctions.
However, I fully understand the anxiety and the wish of the Turkish Cypriot Minority for additional guaranties regarding their safety and the protection of their rights.
I believe that the establishment of a considerable EU military force on the Island (part of the "Rapid Reaction Force") would be a strong enough guarantee. I would add to that the establishment of a EU Directorate for Middle Easter Affairs and maybe another one for EU Energy Resources Management. These would not only offer ample guarantees in respect to the safety of all Cypriots but it would also upgrade dramatically the role, the influence and the intervention capabilities of the EU in the region.

Good point. There will still need to be a peace-keeping organisation to enforce an internal settlement, at least for the first few years, if only to reassure both sides. Of all the choices personally I favour the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This body has considerable expertise covering a range of conflict management tasks, having undertaken missions throughout the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The other advantage is that its 56 members include all the main protagonists – Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Britain, Russia, the United States and the other members of the European Union. It would therefore seem to be a good candidate for some sort of conflict management role in Cyprus after a settlement.

[GreekIslandGirl]

Why are we humouring the TCs with pointless guarantees? Even discussing such concepts gives them ideas that such things are normal. I'm happy to wait for a solution which puts an end to such nonsense once and for all.

[Hermes]

Why are we humouring the TCs with pointless guarantees? Even discussing such concepts gives them ideas that such things are normal. I'm happy to wait for a solution which puts an end to such nonsense once and for all.

I agree that the idea of guarantees has become a smokescreen under which TCs have tried to preserve the status quo. But if you ask the TCs who should then guarantee a solution if Turkey can't do it (because it's unacceptable to us), then really it's all down to EU treaties and international law. There's no other option that would satisfy both sides. In effect, the guarantee is the EU acquis.