SABAH- Columnist Soli Ozel writes about recent developments on the Cyprus issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
The Cyprus issue can be discussed from a number of different perspectives. It’s possible to deal with the problem from the standpoint of Turkey’s domestic political dynamics, or the experiences of the Turkish Cypriots, or its relation to Turkey’s EU membership bid.
In discussing the UN’s recently proposed Cyprus plan, one can look at it from any of these various perspectives. Agreeing that Annan’s plan is an important step for the Cyprus peace process doesn’t necessarily mean accepting it in its current form, lock, stock and barrel, without any changes. In fact, the plan needs to be discussed and changed. As the devil lies in the details, we need to be aware that the plan includes many sections fairly screaming their need for revision. That’s why I believe that the UN should cease insisting on the deadline it set out for signing a deal, namely before the EU’s Copenhagen summit next month. Both parties need time to analyze the document and its legal dimensions with their legal advisors.
Moreover, there are no assurances that the European Union will determine a specific date for the beginning of Turkey’s accession negotiations, notwithstanding if the two leaders of Cyprus reach an agreement on the UN proposal. Although the EU has clearly linked these issues to each other, the Cyprus issue should be discussed on its own. The status quo on this island is a blot not only on Turkish-EU relations but also on Turkey’s relations with the rest of the world. In addition, there is a need here to underline a significant point. We must understand that the UN plan is more advantageous for the Turkish Cypriots. As we all know, the Greek side has never accepted the idea of establishing a new state on the island. However, under this new proposal, they would have to accept the formation of a state comprised of two constituent states with equal political rights. As far as the territorial adjustments are concerned, it’s clear that the plan proposes that the Turkish side makes some concessions on its positions. However, the final decision on territorial adjustments will be made during the actual negotiations. It would be unrealistic to argue that the lives of Turkish Cypriots will be under threat as they were during the 1970s. Let’s not forget that the UN plan proposes that the Turkish Cypriots have their own state with a national army.
I believe that Annan’s proposal should be considered a positive development for the situation of the Cyprus’ Turkish population. What Turkey has to do now is to hold substantive negotiations with the Greek side in order to better the situation of the Turkish Cypriots.
SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION