The US and EU have a role to play in Cyprus reunification

As a former United States Ambassador to Cyprus from 1999 to 2002, I am aware of the frustrations of the Cypriots, who continue to hope every year that the Greek and Turkish Cypriots will resolve their differences and become a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation living together peacefully. The population of Cyprus is slightly more than a million. The conflict is not just a strategic dilemma, it is also a moving human drama involving decades of mistrust, fear and enmity. Many observers are pessimistic that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will ever be able to live together peacefully.

However, I hold a deep-seated belief that ethnic, religious and other forms of human diversity should enrich rather than impede societies. I believe that the Cypriot people will find the courage to overcome their differences and learn to work together.

But for now, since the Turkish military invasion in 1974, Cyprus remains divided. Turkey controls the northern part, with a military presence of more than 30,000 troops. The invasion, occupation and division resulted in human rights violations, thousands of refugees – settlers from Turkey in northern Cyprus – lost property, missing persons, ethnic separation and the destruction and neglect of cultural heritage sites.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon met in Geneva on July 7 with the two leaders – President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu – in still another attempt to find some way of resolving the complex issues dividing the two communities. 

Ban Ki-Moon said at a press conference following the meeting in Geneva that he has “every expectation that by October the leaders will be able to report that they have reached convergence on all core issues.” The Secretary General is well aware, as is anyone familiar with the political division of the island, that there are complicated, stubborn issues to be resolved. Even though Ban Ki-Moon emphasized it is time to confront these hard choices, they are tough ones.

Those choices include the way that power and authority will be shared between the two communities of Cyprus, territorial adjustments, property issues and the issue of the withdrawal of foreign troops, security and guarantees. There are no magical formulas or solutions. Both sides have legitimate concerns that must be addressed in a settlement. No doubt there will have to be trade-offs and compromises.

As July 20 approaches and Cyprus counts yet another year of division on this small island, it is wise to remember its strategic importance to the interests of democratic nations around the world. It is a country with whom the United States has good relations in a wide variety of areas. It is well known that the United States is an important trading partner with Cyprus and both countries work cooperatively in fighting international crime. Cyprus and the United States share many other vital interests as well. In this regard, I would also like to point out that the broader relationships between Greece, Turkey and Cyprus should also be considered in order to build upon the strengths of the whole Mediterranean region.

With respect to the U.S. presence in that region, I would like to bring attention to the importance of the United Nations peace talks that will take place in July in Geneva. I cannot over-emphasize my belief that it is well past the time for reunification of the Island of Cyprus. The United States invests many millions of dollars annually in programs that promote mutual understanding and greater interaction among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus.

These programs have made a difference in overcoming cultural divides and building bridges of understanding between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. I would like to see the political leaders of both communities find the will and strength to move Cyprus forward to a final solution of the Cyprus problem.

I firmly believe that Cyprus is committed to reunification and that the negotiations can begin to resolve the major issues separating the two sides.

I also feel strongly that no significant resolution can be achieved without Turkey being cooperative and constructive in the process. In that regard, the European Union and the United States have an important role to play.

Donald K. Bandler had a 28-year career at the State Department, served as special assistant to President Bill Clinton, senior director for Europe in the National Security Council, counselor for the 1999 NATO Summit, and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus from 1999-2002. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Council’s Board of Directors.