The Best Possible Solution to the Cyprus Dispute - Essay Example

Cyprus would gain its independence in the 1960s which also saw renewed attempts by the international community to resolve differences between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.A Turkish invasion force intervened in 1974 to take control of the Turkish part of Cyprus. Since 1974, the dividing line has created a barrier between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot Communities. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognized by the UN Security Council (Brewin, 20). Since the 1990s, the dynamics of the dispute have changed as the European Union decided to open negotiations with Cyprus for a settlement. Cyprus was considered for membership in the European Union.

Supporters of this move argued that it would moderate all sides for negotiations. Opponents said that it would lead to the Greek Cypriots settling for a peace agreement on their terms. The Turkish Cypriots responded to this move by insisting that they would only negotiate based on a confederal solution. Relations between Turkey and European Union were eased after Turkey was considered for EU membership. However, tension continues despite efforts by the European Union and United Nations for a peaceful solution (Dods, 14).

The best possible solution to the Cyprus dispute in which the interests of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are obtained is by the UN plan put forward by Kofi Annan. This would also allow Turkey to be included in the European Union. This plan calls for the Republic of Cyprus to be transformed into the United Cyprus Republic. It would be a federation of two states with the Turkish part comprising thirty percent and the Greek part comprising seventy-one percent. Each part will have its parliament. 

A bicameral parliament will be established at the federal level (Gibbons, 34). The United Cyprus Republic will have a senate in which Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots would have equal representation. Each community would also have veto rights concerning the passing of laws. The plan also calls for the return of property of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in their respective areas after the Turkish invasion. If this cannot be accomplished, compensation would be provided to those people who saw property losses (Hitchens, 24).

In some areas, Greek Cypriots would have their properties returned to them while in other areas they would receive a proportion of their properties. The number of soldiers would also be gradually reduced over six years. A full process of demilitarization can be achieved once Turkey becomes a member of the European Union. One objection that the Greek Cypriots have is the right of Turkey to intervene in the military affairs of the island. Turkish Cypriots would argue that a certain Turkish military presence offers them a sense of security.

Limiting and reducing the number of troops in Cyprus would be a positive step in diffusing the concerns of each community. Finally, the issue of Turkish settlers also needs to be resolved since the Greek Cypriots consider this to be a violation of international law (Hannay, 74). The proposal calls for the creation of a loose federation of two-component states. Each side would have representation in a Federal parliament. They would have the ability to veto legislation and have a joint national anthem. Property rights would be addressed and the number of military forces of Greece and Turkey would be limited. The UN plan is a balance for all the opposing sides in the dispute.