The government’s recent consent to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation in an informal Council in Brussels has underscored ongoing confusion and discord within Cyprus regarding the resolution of the decades-old Cyprus issue.
The confusion, which has persisted since the first High-Level Agreement between Archbishop Makarios and Rauf Denktaş in 1977, has only deepened over the years due to the failure to reach a mutually acceptable solution. This discord has been exacerbated by the entrance of new generations into the political arena, lacking the direct experiences of the 1974 events, and by ideological divisions complicating the pursuit of a solution.
Key areas of confusion include the nature of the solution itself—whether it should be a federation or a return to a unitary state—and the form of the federation, with debates ranging from bi-regional to bi-zonal structures. Disagreements also persist over the governance model, distribution of powers, and the effective participation of Turkish Cypriots in governance.
The core issue of the Cyprus problem, involving invasion and occupation, also remains a source of contention. Unresolved questions include the withdrawal of Turkish troops, the role of Greek and Turkish contingents post-solution, and the presence of international security forces.
Furthermore, the settlement of Turkish settlers, the abolition of the system of guarantees, and Cyprus’s potential NATO membership continue to provoke intense debate. The discovery of energy reserves in the region has added another layer of complexity, raising questions about how these resources could serve as a catalyst for a solution and future cooperation.
Over the past five decades, and continuing today, there has been significant disagreement over Turkey’s goals regarding Cyprus. During the era of Turgut Özal and the early years of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, some believed Turkey sought a solution to the Cyprus issue with genuine intent. However, others strongly opposed this view, arguing that Turkey’s real aim was to legitimize the island’s division.
Current opinions remain divided. Some believe Turkey is steadfastly opposed to a two-state solution, while others argue that Turkey sees the two-state concept as a transitional phase toward achieving complete control over Cyprus and converting it into a protectorate. There is also a perspective that Turkey aims for the gradual annexation of Cyprus.
Nikos Katsourides
