Cyprus Issue: Political Equality and Prospects for a Solution

The Cyprus issue is back in the spotlight with questions about a substantial restart of negotiations. The new leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community expresses, rhetorically, a willingness to discuss a solution based on a Bi-zonal Bi-communal Federation (BBF) with political equality, but public statements remain ambiguous.

The concept of political equality is a point of contention. The Turkish Cypriot side often equates it with a rotating presidency and a positive vote on every decision, while the Greek Cypriot side wonders how 18% can bind 82% without ungovernability. Substantial participation with limits and mechanisms to overcome impasses is proposed.

The issue of security is crucial. Guarantees and the presence of foreign troops affect the perception of a rotating presidency. The abolition of guarantees and the withdrawal of Turkish troops could change the perspective.

The Turkish Cypriot leadership is called upon to seek a solution and not an upgrade of the illegal regime. The only viable prospect is participation in a sovereign state, a member of the EU, with one citizenship. The Greek Cypriot President is called upon to overcome internal balances and set clear red lines for a functional state without guarantees and troops.

The two leaders are called upon to take advantage of the interest of the UN and the EU for a sustainable solution, avoiding misleading interventions and investing in honest negotiation.