BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- It seems as if we've forgotten the Cyprus Yssue. This has several reasons: Turkey has focused on next month's general elections in domestic policy and northern Iraq in foreign policy. Moreover, no important developments have been seen on Cyprus recently. Neither the UN nor the US or EU is showing any sign of activity towards launching a new negotiating process. What's more, the Greek Cypriot administration is preparing for presidential election set for next February. Taking into consideration all these factors, it is any surprise that the Cyprus issue has fallen off both Turkey's and the world's radar. But is that something good or bad for the Turkish Cypriots?
According to Mehmet Ali Talat, the president of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), it's not good. Because deadlock doesn't suit the Turkish Cypriots. For instance, the isolation of the TRNC is continuing, as the restrictions haven't been lifted. Thus Turkish Cypriots can't integrate with the world.
Pointing to especially economic developments, TRNC leader Talat indicates that on the other hand the status quo isn't completely against the Turkish Cypriots. For instance, the per capita gross domestic national product (GNP) is more than $10,000. In tourism and the building sector property sales to foreigners are on the rise.
The vitality of the TRNC's economy in Cyprus was proven by the opening of Hotel Artemis in Bafra on Saturday, which showed what the Turkish side can manage despite the sanctions.
Talat says that Cyprus Yssue has been left to languish as the Greek side doesn't show any willingness and the international community is uninterested. The Yssue has, in fact, entered a period of stagnancy. And there's no hope of vitality or compromise in the near future. So the Turkish side should make good use of this period by consolidating its institutions, strengthening its internal structure and promoting its economic and social standards. It's high time to ask why serious delays haven't been addressed and why administrative arrangements related to daily life have yet to be made.
Of course, if a solution is reached, this work will be done more quickly and in a more coordinated way, but even Talat, who has always favored solution and a compromise, seems to have lost hope. Although he hasn't given up his vision of a united state based on equality of the two sides, he acknowledges that it is difficult. As the status quo continues and the world, including Turkey, is preoccupied with different issues, Turkish Cypriots should take the necessary steps to stand on their own two feet.