Optimistic Scenarios

MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. A summary of his column is as follows:
Many ‘pessimistic scenarios’ regarding negative developments that could happen even if no solution is reached on the Cyprus problem in the next few days and weeks have been making the rounds. These scenarios indeed were a cause of concern and quite disturbing. We hope that the ongoing negotiations between Denktas and Clerides lead to an agreement as soon as possible and that these disaster scenarios are forgotten. We would like to dwell on the positive results of an agreement for a change and discuss an optimistic scenario. In fact, such a ‘happy ending’ should have an encouraging influence on both sides in reaching an agreement by showing mutual understanding. A happy ending scenario would be to the benefit of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots in addition to Turkey and Greece. Furthermore, this would also be in the interests of the EU, which seems to already be a party to the issue. In diplomacy this is called a ‘win-win’ situation. TRNC Presidency Counsel Ergun Olgun made a presentation at a conference held in Brussels recently, clearly explaining the benefits of a ‘win-win’ situation. The benefit of the Greek Cypriots will be seen in the fields of security, stability and the economy. Greek Cypriots will be able to live in peace and security with their Turkish neighbors. The problems they are complaining about such as territory, property and missing persons will be all left behind. The Island will be able to enter the EU in its entirety and can play a more influential role in the region. Turkish Cypriots can enter into joint ventures with their Greek neighbors on an equal footing and can avail themselves of the island’s resources and potential in full and elevate their standards of living. In such an optimistic scenario, Turkey and Greece will be able to cooperate more closely and the EU can go along with its enlargement policy as it pleases. In brief, when all these advantages and profits are taken into account, it is seen that there are enormous benefits in solving this issue which has been dragging on for years. However, in spite of the pressures regarding a deadline, such as the end of June, there has been no tangible progress. The ‘face-to-face’ talks in Lefkosha seem to locked on same basic disagreements. The disputes emerging on the ‘security’ issue taken up during the recent meetings were not eliminated. On every specific issue, the basic views seem to rule the talks. For the Turkish side this basic view focuses on the right to ‘equal status’ and ‘sovereignty.’ The Greek side believes these rights would violate the unitary nature of the state and Cypriot territorial integrity. It is ready to grant broad autonomy within a federal structure with the condition that the central system be maintained. Cannot a midway point be found between these two differing opinions? Recently, the UN, the US, Britain and international mechanisms have been trying their best to find such a midway for the problem. The words of experienced British diplomat Lord David Hannay on a Turkish state in the north and a Greek Cypriot state in the south, with a different structure than the one before which could bear another name, were enough for the Greek Cypriot administration and the press to launch a campaign against the British special envoy. It seems that the Clerides administration wants to drag on the old structure by patching it up here and there.

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