The process of opening Tymbou Airport to international flights could begin, with the assistance of Frontex, accompanied by the simultaneous, phased opening of Varosha or a substantial withdrawal of troops under UN supervision
After more than five decades of talks, from “nothing is agreed unless everything is agreed,” we have reached the point where “everything has been discussed.” So while we may not have reached a final agreement on anything, when it comes to the Cyprus issue, almost everything has been on the table at one time or another. The culmination of this was the 2004 final draft solution and the Guterres framework, which came very close to becoming a reality.
Today, with public trust in politics and politicians at an all-time low, and the perception firmly entrenched that “the Cyprus problem cannot be solved,” and given the widespread corruption and discrediting of the political, economic, and party systems, it is difficult to expect that the recent initiative by the United Nations Secretary-General will yield tangible results.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At Volt, we took a straightforward stance, pointing out that progress cannot be taken for granted unless the two leaders immediately demonstrate their commitment. Unfortunately, despite their public assurances, we believe that the steps they are taking or the proposals they are focusing on regarding the MOU fall short of the expectations of Mr. Guterres and his colleagues. Personally, I would say they fall far short of what the circumstances demand, especially considering that whatever is written on the ground becomes permanent and cannot be erased.
Unfortunately, this is the case today, as neither of the two leaders has expressed a clear intention to pursue a decisive and rapid process toward a solution. Second, there does not appear to be any parliamentary party today that prioritizes the Cyprus issue, nor any political leader with the credibility and standing to earn the trust of society and guide ittoward bold decisions. Third, there is no momentum within society seeking a solution. For Cypriot society, the term “last chance” does not even exist, since there does not seem to be a common understanding of the concept of “necessity.”
Given these circumstances, bold steps and proposals are needed to break the deadlock and build on the progress made in the talks. I would not say that opening a roadblock (which, after a solution is reached, will have no reason to exist) is enough to convince anyone that a definitive settlement of the Cyprus problem is imminent. At one time, the MOUs served as tools for dispelling mistrust between the two communities. Today, it is the decisive steps toward the resolution process that will send the message—first and foremost to society—that we mean what we say, that words still have meaning. That there is still hope.
Since all aspects have been discussed at length, what we need is an Agreement in Principle, based on the fundamental parameters of the solution, and a commitment that within a specific timeframe, even the final details will be finalized so that a comprehensive plan can be put to a referendum. This commitment will also include an obligation to return to the negotiating table to bridge differences, even in the event that the plan is rejected in the referendums. At the same time, significant steps will be taken on the ground to reverse the course toward partition and make the solution irreversible.
By way of example, I would mention, among other things, that the opening of the Tympou airport to international flights could begin, with the assistance of Frontex, accompanied by the simultaneous, gradual opening of Varosha or a substantial withdrawal of troops under UN supervision. In any case, with a solution, the army will withdraw and the airport will remain open because it will be essential for the economy of the entire island. These are far-reaching steps that, first, will send a message in every direction that we are moving forward decisively, and second, will involve society itself in the resolution process, which will now see firsthand what reunification truly means.
I fully understand that the above may entail political risks. But let’s admit that the Cyprus issue has been plagued by spineless politicians on both sides. They fear their own shadows, tremble in the face of history’s judgment, or sometimes simply settle comfortably into their seats. Fifty-two years after the invasion and so many decades of talks, the Cyprus issue does not need to be dragged through the mud again. We are looking for leaders who envision a shared future and who will move toward it, confidently holding onto the thread that will lead us out of the Cypriot labyrinth. Anything else leaves no room for hope.
Panos Parras
Co-Chair of Volt Cyprus
