BY SEMIH IDIZ
MILLIYET- It's an important development that UN Undersecretary-General Ibrahim Gambari brought together the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders on Cyprus. As Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos is the head of the `obstruction front,' this meeting is a retreat for him. He wanted to move the issue from the UN to the European Union and defeat Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. However, he couldn't even convince Greece on this issue. Only certain anti-Turkish rightist European politicians supported him. Reportedly the leaders spoke of basing a solution on two nations, two regions and political equality. It's very important that this was confirmed. Meanwhile, it was decided to improve security-enhancing measures, because there are already various contacts between them and there's a productive environment to get a positive result from these measures. It was also stated that meetings would start for a comprehensive solution. This statement will keep the focus on Papadopoulos, who has hindered the start of negotiations up to now.
In addition, a technical committee would be established to discuss complicated issues. Such issues as the presence of the Turkish military, Turkish residents, and property are already giving Turkey a headache. Meanwhile, these are the main issues upsetting the obstruction front in Turkey. However, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan, which was accepted by Turkey, foresaw a solution of two issues. For example, reducing the number of Turkish soldiers gradually to a symbolic level was dependent on the condition that the Greek Cypriot side would abolish its army. It's already impossible to do this in another way, because it can't be expected that Turkey would endanger its own security and the security of Turkish Cypriots. Therefore, it would be a mistake to assume that Papadopoulos could manipulate these issues. However, if the negotiations can actually start, there would be bargaining. Of course, those who consider Turkey's Cyprus Peace Operation not an `operation aiming to correct the spoiled constitutional order based on its authority resulting from agreements' but as a `conquering expedition' can't be glad about this. However, the last 43 years have shown something: If a solution is desired, it can be found in accordance with the realties of the island and the international order, not the wishes of extreme nationalists. The Turkish diplomats should see this reality and work to provide the Turkish Cypriots with the fairest solution. Meanwhile, developments to be ensured as part of this will help to dispel the harbors and airports pressure being put on Turkey within the EU.