THE CYPRUS IMPASSE

The system they want to establish under the Annan plan is very sophisticated. First of all, its heft is massive since there are many documents to be prepared together with the constitution of the two constituent states: a constituent agreement annexed with a federal constitution, three constitutional laws, 28 federal laws, three cooperation agreements, four annexes, etc. Most of the federal laws and cooperation agreements have yet to be negotiated.

The reason for such a sophisticated plan is simple: The two sides clearly have yet to reach agreement on several disputes. The Greek side wants to rebuild its sovereignty on the island, granting the Turkish Cypriots only minority rights. However, since the Turkish Cypriots have no wish to return to the chaos and violence of 1963-74, they wish to have equal rights with the Greek Cypriots.

Since the UN, the US and the EU believe that the Turkish and Greek sides will fail to reach a permanent settlement, they are putting pressure on them using this sophisticated plan which would entail countless legal arrangements.

Therefore, in any case, not even a referendum would be democratic as the plan is so complicated that most people will never be able to grasp it. Moreover, the united ‘Cyprus Republic’ to be created under the Annan plan wouldn’t be a new state, rather only be a new version of the current Greek Cypriot administration which is already recognized worldwide. At this point, the concepts of ‘society’ and ‘nation’ are very important. The Annan plan adheres to the principle of bi-zonality, but it fails to mention the existence of two separate nations. Therefore, the UN plan fails to grant the Turkish Cypriot nation with certain basic rights which would legitimize its presence in the eyes of the world.

Turkish Republic Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Denktas is a very competent negotiator. However, he is unable to present certain facts to the public. He’s long complained of the plan’s deficiencies on certain key issues such as sovereignty and equality. However, we’ve collectively failed to understand what he’s tried to tell us.”