This may be a rather bold thing to say!
Perhaps you’ll say, “Oh, come on!” ...
Despite everything, I’ll say it:
“The declaration of Kosovo’s independence, which played a significant role in launching the process now under way, could also play a very significant role in bringing it to a resolution.”
After hearing this, I can almost hear you saying, “Pfft, the difference between Kosovo and us is enormous! They are two completely different things... What does one have to do with the other!”
But I am not suggesting that we should have a solution like Kosovo’s.
What I am trying to point out is the motivation Kosovo’s example created among the Greek Cypriot side.
The clearest example of this is the elections held in the Greek Cypriot side last year.
Remember, even Christofias was surprised that he had been elected.
In fact, during the election campaign, Christofias met with Turks and afterward made this statement: “If Turks were allowed to vote in the elections, I would definitely win.”
Christofias’s ‘image’ as a supporter of a solution, together with Kosovo’s declaration of independence, led Greek Cypriot voters to think: “If there is no solution, one day the Turks could make their state known to the world, just as Kosovo did.”
This gave rise to the idea that negotiations had to begin and that a candidate capable of initiating this process had to be elected. As a result, the momentum shifted in Christofias’s favor.
Christofias had already used this idea during the election campaign.
In short, we can say that Kosovo’s declaration played a major role in Christofias’s election.
On the other hand, our President, Mehmet Ali Talat, also invoked the example of Kosovo without naming it.
On September 3, 2008, the day negotiations began, Mr. Talat said the following to the Greek Cypriot people in part of his statement: “Our world is going through turbulent times. I know that developments in the Balkans and the Caucasus are making you uneasy. You see these developments as ‘bad examples.’ If we cannot find a fair, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, you will continue to watch these ‘bad examples’ with trepidation. Instead of fearing bad examples, let us be a ‘good example’ to other peoples.”
Of course, this statement means: “Our concern is not to attain independence like Kosovo! But the lack of a solution will keep your fears in this regard alive.”
In other words, Mr. Talat is saying, “Hey, Greek Cypriot people, come to your senses and sit down with us to reach an agreement! Otherwise, the ‘permanent division of the island’ that you fear so much could become reality!”
We all know very well that a considerable number of people in our country are excited by the prospect of the island being permanently divided and say, “Yes, that’s exactly what we want, too.”
But the fact is, we have a President who thinks exactly the opposite, works toward the island’s reunification, and is currently our negotiator.
And we elected him!
One way or another, the example of ‘Kosovo’ remains very much alive in the minds of both Christofias and Talat.
What matters now is that this example can be used in the search for a solution, just as it was at the start of the negotiation process!
In my view, if Christofias really wants a solution and is sincere about it, then, just as he did during the elections, he could use the example of Kosovo to make a veiled threat to his own people and instill this thought in them: “Well, what can we do? We might as well accept this rather than remain divided forever.” If he does that, reaching a solution will not be difficult at all!
If Christofias is not doing this and/or cannot do it, Mr. Talat can certainly help his comrade. He can use this point, just as he did on September 3, 2008.
Ultimately, Kosovo, which played a significant role at the start of the process, could play that role again in bringing the process to an end.
Otherwise, it is clear that we will have failed to use an element with great potential to strengthen our hand in the negotiation process…
Hope to see you on Tuesday...
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