MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on A civil initiative in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) concerning the island’s future. A summary of his column is as follows:
Although the media paid little attention to it, a very meaningful and important joint declaration called ‘Common Vision’ was issued in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus TRNC this week by over 80 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and prominent figures, among which there were trade unions as well as women, youth, and business organizations plus writers and artists. This movement, which is the very first of its kind in the TRNC, represents some 80,000 people. Thus, the views and proposals stated in the declaration must be given serious consideration both by Lefkosa and Ankara. Two very basic matters are underlined in the declaration: a solution to the Cyprus issue and the European Union. The solution proposal is initially built on the criteria of equality and sovereignty, which the Turkish side has also put forward. Accordingly, a common state composed of two component states, one in the north and the other in the south, both of which have certain sovereign rights as well as clearly defined obligations, must be formed. This common state should be represented as one in the international community and also should have the adequate legislative, executive and judicial organs sufficiently empowered to deal with the EU. This general framework is actually in line with the Turkish stance; the strategy and targets are similar. But in the declaration, a different kind of tactic and a flexible attitude to the issue is proposed. The head of this movement, Ali Erel, the chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, states that a solution cannot be reached unless the Turkish side abandons its insistence that the TRNC first be recognized and its sovereignty over the north of the island be accepted. This tactic, Erel says, has been used for years but it has proved fruitless; thus, instead of this, the Turkish side should display a flexible attitude and by so doing it will be able to direct international pressure and expectation to the Greek side. On Sept. 6, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, will meet Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Dentas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides. It seems to me that after this meeting important steps can be taken towards a solution on the island. Yet, Ankara should also make an attempt to encourage the civil initiative’s effort. We don’t have the luxury of missing any more opportunities.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION