Why Is This Election So Important?

BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- No election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has ever gotten so much attention. This time not only Turkey, but also the entire world is putting importance on the votes of 140,000 voters, because unlike previous polls, this is like a referendum which will have international ripples. Is ‘change’ or ‘continuing the status quo’ wanted to solve the Cyprus issue? For the first time Turkish Cypriots are divided on this. The parties and voters have two camps, those favoring Denktas or not and those seeking a solution or not. Those favoring change hope to reach a quick solution under UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan and to become a European Union member with the Greek Cypriot administration. Those who prefer the ‘status quo’ reject Annan’s plan and want the TRNC to continue without the EU. The Turkish Cypriots’ choice will constitute a turning point for the future, including Turkey’s relations with the EU and other countries. In addition, this decision will influence subsequent policies of the EU and the UN. That’s why the entire world is so concerned about these elections.
Actually saying those ‘favoring a solution’ and those ‘opposing a solution’ is misleading because nobody’s openly rejecting efforts for solution. Those favoring Denktas also want a solution but they’ve put forth certain requirements. Those opposing Denktas want to sit at the table under Annan’s plan and continue negotiations on this basis to find a solution before next May. Otherwise, the Greek Cypriot administration will become an EU member and then it will be hard for Turkey to get a date for talks from the EU, so the Turkish side will enter very troubled waters. Those favoring Denktas want a solution very different from Annan’s plan. However, they also feel the need for the Turkish side to take the initiative again and bring the other side to the table.
It seems whoever wins the elections, Turkish diplomacy will be eager for a solution. Diplomats in Ankara and the Denktas administration in Nicosia are looking into the situation seriously. Will there be a proposal for changes to Annan’s plan or else an alternative plan? Ankara prefers the former. Probably the government will be insistent on this. EU officials say that Annan’s plan is still valid and that an alternative plan would have no place. As one observer in Brussels said, if a solution is desired, changes to Annan’s plan should be proposed. Otherwise the Turkish side’s suggestions will have no chance. Our officials should take this into consideration.