The Cyprus problem as we knew it "died" in the summer of 2017 in Crans Montana. Five and a half years have already passed since then and the process remains imprisoned in the irrational appetites of the Turkish side to change the basis of the solution. A period of dramatic stagnation, almost total inaction. A cyclical course of discussions, impossible to reach a concrete outcome.
With each passing day, the goal of a solution is moving further and further away, causing immense damage to the island and its people. Only Turkey is guilty of this crime, punishing with its attitude not only the Greek Cypriots, but also the Turkish Cypriots whom it says it cares for and protects. Its actions show just the opposite.
The Turkish clamour for recognition of the pseudo-state, sovereign equality and equal international status continues to block every step, every effort made to resume the talks.
The Turkish clamour for recognition of the pseudo-state, sovereign equality and equal international status continues to block every step, every effort made to resume the talks. Unfortunately for us, Ankara has been consistent in this chapter. Despite the fact that it has no support anywhere, it is unrepentant and immovable. This one-dimensional attitude of Turkey has created an important opportunity for the forces on the Greek Cypriot side to finally speak the same language and "fight" the national enemy, instead of exchanging civilian fire.
A great tragedy lies ahead of us, but some political forces on our side pretend not to see it. In the face of this threat to survival, some choose to ignore the undeniable fact of Turkish responsibility for the wreck and stalemate on the Cyprus problem. Some choose the tragic path of blaming our side, not caring about the fact that their positions automatically enter the Turkish quiver of arguments.
The management of our national issue has no room for petty political intolerance and expediency. It cannot be the subject of pre-election disputes. Even if there are disagreements on individual issues, the goal should be common. The aim of all should be to achieve a just solution to the Cyprus problem, in the interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. And not fretting among ourselves, allowing Erdogan to let the train off the rails.
No one is saying that where we are now, the resumption is easy. On the contrary, the situation points to an unresolved equation. The only way out seems to be substantial international involvement in the process, for better or worse, to convince Turkey to abandon its unreasonable demands and claims. To come back to the table for talks on the basis of the agreed framework as outlined in the Security Council resolutions. And let it be after the Turkish elections in the summer.
This is, after all, the philosophy of the latest effort for a resumption signed by Nicos Anastasiades. An important legacy that will pass into the hands of the next President of the Republic. He will decide whether to throw away the diplomatic groundwork that has been laid or whether to build on it in order to stop the wheel of stagnation on the Cyprus problem.
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