CYPRUS – MEDIATOR

Erdogan’s statements and stance put forth that Turkey wants the US to be a mediator. This request shows that the government has the impression that the Turkish side’s interests will be protected more if the US weighs heavily rather than the EU. However, there is one thing to be careful about. If we want to see a mediator from the US, we should be careful. There will be elections in the US this year and the Greek Cypriot lobby’s influence and importance in these elections can’t be denied. In such an atmosphere, it would be difficult for the mediator to be determined by the White House to protect the Turkish side’s interests. The Bush administration might feel the obligation of protecting the Greek Cypriot side’s interests in the solution of the Cyprus issue with the concern for winning the elections. Such a mediation system can’t meet the Turkish side’s expectations.

Another thing which we should understand well is that it’s becoming more difficult to stand firmly behind the proposals of change in UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan. One of the conditions put forth by Annan is that a change in the essence of the plan can’t be proposed. However, it’s clear that the Turkish side will sit at the table with a serious proposal of change. The Turkish side’s bargaining power and area shouldn’t be narrowed in order to prove that it’s serious and sincere about solving the Cyprus issue. The Turkish side doesn’t request a kindness from the EU, the US or Greek Cypriots, but a right.”