Developments in the Cyprus problem have reached dizzying proportions in recent days. Almost every day, statements from the Turkish side in particular, framed around a timetable, create the impression that negotiations will proceed according to a specific timetable, yet the Greek Cypriot side continues to oppose this.
Most recently, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu’s statement at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Özdil Nami that the leaders might meet on November 4 prompted strong reactions from the Greek Cypriot side. Fileleftheros Newspaper even shared the statement with its readers under the headline “They’re Celebrating on Their Own...” and the subheads “Davutoğlu Hastily Announces the Start of Negotiations. The UN Says, Not Yet... Ankara’s Moves Regarding Recognition.” The newspaper also informed its readers that the date of November 4 had not been set by the UN.
Ultimately, as I noted at the outset, every statement from the Turkish side about setting a timetable is closely monitored and denied by the Greek Cypriot side. For this reason, hopes for a solution to the Cyprus problem seem unlikely to take root at this stage… The public’s pessimism is also evident from the turnout at yesterday’s event in Famagusta, entitled “Let Famagusta Open Its Gates to the World, Let the Peace Process in Cyprus Begin Right Now.”
Of course, as momentum toward a solution increases, hopes will rise, and there will be mass rallies, just as there were in 2002–2004. But what is clear is that the Greek Cypriot side does not want such an atmosphere. To put it more plainly, there is no desire for a solution on the Greek Cypriot side, and its policy is to remain at the negotiating table forever. How can negotiations be held with a side whose policy is this? That is the real question… In such a situation, the Turkish side is already doing what needs to be done. It is continually maintaining its position as the side pushing for a solution. But what will this achieve for us? Foreign Minister Özdil Nami answered this question while he was in Ankara. Nami clearly set out the Turkish side’s policy, saying: “Our agenda right now is to make every effort we can in good faith and ensure that these efforts are exhausted. Once they have been exhausted, either there will be a federal solution and the matter will be over, or the world will put a stop to these negotiations, which have been going on for years, and come up with a new decision.” But will the world stop and come up with a new decision?
At this point, we need to look at the U.S., the EU, Russia and China. I do not think Russia, China or the EU could produce a decision that the Greek Cypriot side does not want. The promises made during the Annan Plan process and the resolutions left pending in the UN Security Council are there for all to see… However, I have also received information that the U.S. is making serious efforts to resolve the problem. Meanwhile, it would be absurd to think, “The U.S. should solve its own problems,” because whatever happens at home, the U.S. never takes its eyes off the world. If the process continues this way, will the Turkish side’s good-faith efforts and the power of the U.S. lead to a new decision? I suppose we will all find out together.