NICOSIA, Cyprus — The European Union has a pivotal role to play in addressing the longstanding ethnic divide in Cyprus by highlighting the potential benefits and improved relations that a peace settlement would offer with the 27-member bloc. This was articulated by EU officials on Tuesday. Johannes Hahn, serving as the EU envoy for Cyprus, held inaugural discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. These talks are seen as a crucial step toward revitalizing stalled negotiations, primarily mediated by the United Nations.
Cyprus found itself divided along ethnic lines in 1974 following Turkey’s military intervention triggered by a coup intended to unite the island with Greece. The northern third of Cyprus declared independence in 1983, recognized solely by Turkey, which supports a significant military presence of over 35,000 troops in the region.
Following his meeting with President Christodoulides, Hahn emphasized his commitment to engaging all stakeholders, including Turkey, in rebuilding trust and backing Maria Angela Holguin’s peace endeavors as the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s envoy to Cyprus. Addressing the seemingly opposing stances of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Hahn pointed out that “all parties have particular interests related to the European Union,” and his mission is to discern these interests through his engagements.
Despite Cyprus’s induction into the EU in 2004, only the southern Greek Cypriot part, where the government having international recognition resides, enjoys the full benefits of EU membership. Turkey embarked on talks for EU membership back in 2005, but the discussions have remained stagnant due to Turkey’s reluctance to acknowledge the Cypriot government as the island’s legitimate authority. However, Turkey remains eager to finalize the visa liberalization negotiations with the EU, initiated in 2013.
Cyprus is open to enhanced EU-Turkey relations, provided there are significant advancements in Cyprus’s peace dialogues, as stated by government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. A significant hurdle in resuming peace negotiations is the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot demand for a resolution acknowledging two separate states on the island. This proposition contradicts a U.N. Security Council-backed peace plan that envisions a federated Cyprus, comprising Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking regions.
The Greek Cypriot community opposes any proposal solidifying the island’s division, as they fear Turkish attempts to dominate the entire territory, compounded by Turkey’s insistence on a permanent military presence and intervention rights in Cyprus. Moreover, Turkey’s position that minority Turkish Cypriots should possess veto privileges over all federal governmental decisions is another contentious issue.