By\u00a0 Darren Wong<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Despite the long-drawn and frustrating process of intercommunal talks, the Cyprus dispute has been frozen since 1974. Effectively divided in two, Greek Cypriots have been living in the south under the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus (ROC) while Turkish Cypriots live in the north under the de facto administration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Serving as TRNC\u2019s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Kudret \u00d6zersay – who has an academic background in political science and international relations – has been present at the same negotiating table with three TRNC Presidents, four ROC leaders and two United Nations Secretaries-General. Speaking to Professor \u00d6zersay at a recent MENAF event, where he shared his incisive opinions on the Cyprus dispute and vision for changing the status quo, what struck me was the very palpable exasperation he felt about the persistent deadlock.<\/p>\n
At the start of the year, Professor \u00d6zersay announced that he will be running as an independent candidate in TRNC\u2019s upcoming presidential elections. I began the interview by asking him what vision he holds for TRNC and what changes he is seeking to make. \u201cI\u2019d like to connect my people to the world and our voice to be heard by the international community. For more than 50 years, we\u2019ve been waiting for a comprehensive settlement to be found\u2026 but we\u2019ve been unable to achieve it with our counterparts, the Greek Cypriots.\u201d Having spent much of his life working on resolving the dispute, it clearly weighs on his mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy main purpose is to find a mutually acceptable deal between the two sides \u2014\u00a0 not necessarily a federal partnership because we\u2019ve been trying for it for more than 50 years. But even in the absence of an agreement, we should still be able to connect with the international community.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is definitely disheartening that the passage of time has failed to assuage the conflicts of interest between TRNC and ROC, for it has overshadowed many aspects of life and development in TRNC. TRNC\u2019s economic growth has been stunted by an international trade embargo placed on it, and Professor \u00d6zersay shared that he intends to further boost TRNC\u2019s two main economic sectors of tourism and higher education. \u201cWe have a problem because of the absence of direct flights to Northern Cyprus. The flights go to Turkey first, touch down, then [a separate flight is taken to] get to Northern Cyprus.\u201d The added cost and time might dissuade tourism. Interestingly, he pointed out an increasing number of foreign students going to TRNC to study at its universities, \u201cnot just Turkey, but from Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan and the West as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
As we talked, Professor \u00d6zersay reverted to his vision of re-connecting with the international community. \u201cThere is potential for Northern Cyprus to establish trade relations with other countries, as we did for twenty years with the [United Kingdom], but unfortunately with the decision of the European Court of Justice, it stopped in 1994.\u201d He then paused and smiled. \u201cWith Brexit now, there is the possibility of re-establishing a similar kind of relationship.\u201d The shifting tides of global politics brings new opportunities and Professor \u00d6zersay seemed keen to capitalise on them.<\/p>\n
However, re-entering the global economy necessarily entails a reconfiguration of TRNC\u2019s close relationship with Turkey, which is arguably one of economic and political dependence. As TRNC moves forward with its goal of international recognition, how will this relationship evolve? Professor \u00d6zersay agreed that there is dependence, but \u201cit is unfair to accuse Turkish Cypriots for the existing situation. If you are not allowed to have direct trade or travel, the international community is forcing Turkish Cypriots to be more dependent on Turkey.\u201d He maintained that this is not something he desires but reminded that such a situation does not just exist in TNRC. \u201cLook at other independent countries and states in Latin America. Some of them are mainly politically and economically dependent on the United States too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor \u00d6zersay\u2019s discontent with the status quo is apparent. Referring to the lack of international recognition of TRNC and the resulting continuation of UN Peacekeeping forces along the buffer zone in Cyprus, he argued that \u201cit is an unfair situation for us. In every negotiation, the international community accepts the principle that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are equal. If we are politically equal, we also deserve the same kind of political status.\u201d In his speech later, he lamented that he has \u201cexhausted everything \u2014 technical negotiations, negotiations led by the [United Nations] Secretary-General, direct and indirect [negotiations], mediation, arbitration, high-level meetings, meetings in the buffer zone and joint statements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beneath the layer of resignation lies an undying commitment, and perhaps a renewed optimism as well, in reaching a settlement. Professor \u00d6zersay referred multiple times to a \u201cdifferent partnership\u201d. Over the years, he certainly had much time to reflect on the negotiating processes and look for constructive alternatives. \u201cAlthough it is not recognised, we have two existing states on the island. One way or another, we have to establish a peaceful relationship with each other. There will be a partnership because we are a small island \u2014 it can be two states or two administrations, something shaped over time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cA gradual approach is better. We can start off on the reality of the existing entities cooperating with each other and try to establish trust between the two and build on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Calling this a \u201cbottom-up\u201d approach, Professor \u00d6zersay draws a parallel between this and the European Union, which he pointed out had its origins as a coal and steel community before increasing the number of competencies in Brussels. \u201cIt is a waste of time and energy to try to agree on the ultimate point of the deal from the very beginning. You can start with something and step-by-step, build on it \u2014 it may end up a federation, I\u2019m not against that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it is clear that with today\u2019s circumstances, the main conditions of a federation, which is based on shared prosperity is not present.\u201d\u00a0 Indeed, the development trajectories of both ROC and TRNC have diverged significantly. A key issue is the fact that the ROC is economically stronger than TRNC, enjoying benefits as a member of the European Union. \u201cIn conflict resolution, there needs to be a stalemate. The status quo must hurt and disturb all to encourage all to resolve the conflict.\u201d In Professor \u00d6zersay\u2019s perspective, the repeated phrase of \u201cbi-communal bi-zonal federation\u201d as the end goal for Cyprus by the international community has become meaningless, because ultimately the ROC is comfortable with the status quo and the \u201cmutual hurt\u201d he suggested as necessary to incite progress is so far non-existent.<\/p>\n
Most recently, the ROC has begun exploring offshore hydrocarbon resources, which was met with a fierce backlash from TRNC arguing for the shared right to resources. \u201cEven in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, Greek Cypriots are accepted as a full member of the European Union and the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources is not conditional on a resolution.\u201d The Cyprus dispute is thus, \u201cnot as problematic to Greek Cypriots because life goes on.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum, Issue 2020\/1)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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