Is This Really The End Of The Road?

MILLIYET- Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue. A summary of his column is as follows:
Ankara was shocked by EU Commission spokesman’s recent statements on Cyprus. The European Commission warned Turkey that its bid to join the Union could suffer after the failure of UN brokered talks to reunite Cyprus before it joins the EU. Commission spokesman Jean-Christophe Filori told reporters that the EU would go ahead and sign an accession treaty with a divided Cyprus, represented only by the Greek Cypriot government, on April 16 as planned. However such an attitude was not a big surprise for us since past remarks by a number of prominent EU officials including Commissioner for Enlargement Guenther Verheugen had already indicated such a development could occur if the peace talks collapsed.
"The northern Cypriot side is occupied (by Turkey) and the international community never recognized this occupation," said Filori, adding that when Cyprus joins in 2004, Turkey would be illegally "militarily occupying one of our member states." This was a very offensive and disappointing statement. Unfortunately, if another attempt is not launched towards a permanent solution within two or three weeks, the current situation will worsen, which would impose a heavy burden on the Turkish side.
"Regrettably these (peace) efforts were not a success. We have reached the end of the road," said a statement from Annan. He also announced that the UN special envoy Alvaro de Soto’s office was now being closed.
Is this really the end of the road? As matter of fact, De Soto said that Annan’s plan was still on the table. If both sides decide to reconsider it, the UN is very likely to back another attempt. Can the leaders of the island manage to reach an agreement in such a short period? I think this worth trying. Otherwise, the Turkish side will be in big trouble.
We all know that if peace talks really end, the Turkish Cypriots will be disappointed and the northern part will be divided because of ever-increasing civil opposition. In addition, Turkey will have to face with a number of international institutions such as EU, European Council and European Court of Human Rights. Last but not the least, a great blow will be dealt on bilateral relations between Ankara and Athens. Turkey of course will never give up Cyprus for EU membership. However, this is not a matter only considering Turkey’s relations with the EU. This no-solution situation will lead many countries and international agencies to assume a negative attitude towards Turkey.
Although Annan plan failed to meet the expectations of the Turkish side, it could have really been a lat chance for a permanent solution. As far as the entire Cyprus peace process is concerned, we cannot deny that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has obtained an undeniable opportunity to express its views and wishes. We all wait and see what kind of a policy our new government to be led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pursue on this issue.

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