Cyprus – Will Everyone Go Their Own Way?

On the other hand, the Turkish side embraced the plan but is excluded from the EU. However, Washington and the EU have pledged certain important steps to help the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) continued existence. For example, Turkish Cypriots will be able to sell some of their goods to foreign markets, foreign tourists will be able to cross into the North from the Greek Cypriot side, and the EU will open a representative office in the TRNC. Obviously none of these mean that the international community intends to recognize the TRNC as an independent state. In addition, loosening certain economic restrictions doesn’t mean lifting the embargo. Just after the referendums, certain statements and published news stories predicting that the TRNC would be recognized and the embargo lifted raised hopes unnecessarily. These wishes were presented to the public as facts. When they failed to materialize, the resulting disappointment caused anger against the government, the EU and other countries. However, it had been known for years that the Greek Cypriots would become an EU member. If the Turkish side had rejected the UN plan, the situation would have been worse. As for the embargo, certain steps are being taken on it and more will follow. However, careful preparations are needed for this. For example, access to markets abroad can’t be ensured merely by lifting the embargo; certain strategies taking into account such economic realities as manufacturing, investment and competition should be developed as well.

If the TRNC can stand on its own two feet with the international community’s support, the TRNC’s regret at not becoming an EU member with the Greek Cypriots will be eased. Many Greek Cypriots who rejected the UN plan might have thought, ‘Reunification isn’t very necessary since we’re prosperous anyway, and will join the EU and can continue our high standard of living without the Turkish Cypriots.’ If this opinion triumphs, there will never be a reunification. Then both the Turkish and Greek Cypriots will go their own way. However, it’s most likely that this won’t happen because the international community doesn’t want the island to stay divided and is looking for a new opportunity to forge a solution. The Greek Cypriot administration also hopes that new initiatives will start in the future and is making its plans with this in mind. Thus, although it seems that everybody is going their own way now, the work isn’t over yet.