The Real Bargaining Is Starting

MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the second round of Cyprus talks to begin today. A summary of his column is as follows:
Following a short recess due to Turkey's Sacrifice Holiday, the second round of face-to-face talks on Cyprus is beginning today. In the first stage of the negotiation process which began on December 4, both parties expressed their basic views on the issues, presented papers relating to the essence of the problem and began to test the grounds. In the new round, the real bargaining is to begin. It is expected of the parties to find a common path and establish a base for an agreement. The impressions of both sides from the first round are not terribly bright. The proposals and views brought to the table clearly demonstrated that the positions of the parties were wide apart from each other. Details regarding the negotiations, which were supposed to remain confidential, are known by all due to leaks to the press from the Greek Cypriot side. The Turkish Cypriots want a partnership based on two separate states and a loose central administration. That is, the Turkish argument requires a restructuring. The Greek Cypriot side would like a few changes to be made in the present constitutional system based on federal principles but to retain the unitary system of the state. There are other disagreements apart from this issue, such as the territories to be exchanged, their status and the reinstatement of Greek Cypriot refugees there. However, the basic dispute and the hardest issue to reconcile concerns basic parameters. In view of these developments, an agreement does not seem close at hand. In fact officials from neither side are optimistic about the results. Both Denktas and Clerides had promised to continue the negotiations until a result was achieved. This means that the sides won't easily be able to walk away from the negotiation table. There are other factors which are influencing both sides to reach an agreement on the issues. The Greek Cypriots are taking their EU membership for granted and, depending on Europe may want to use their advantage to insist on their views. However, both the Clerides administration and Athens must understand that this could create situations which may affect their position adversely. In this round of talks, the search for a solution should be focused on what is reasonable and feasible rather than insisting upon the utmost of what the parties can get.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION