Wilton Park delivers solid recommendations in conclusions
THE CONTROVERSIAL Wilton Park Conference, slammed as biased by the Greek Cypriot side last month, has recommended Turkey withdraw all forces from the areas which would revert to Greek Cypriot control under a settlement based on the Annan plan.
Other steps ranging from the opening of more crossing points to the removal of restrictions on trade with the north, and the handing back of Famagusta to the Greek Cypriots, and a reduction in Turkish troops, are recommended in the Wilton Park final report issued yesterday.
In all, Wilton Park recommended 25 measures “to dispel some of the mutual suspicions which prevail in the post-referendum period” that should “as far as possible” be introduced unilaterally, rather than by prior agreement, “to encourage a reciprocal measure by the other side”.
The conference, which was held in Larnaca between February 7-10 aimed at encouraging an exchange views on how conditions could be created to enable the two sides to work towards a settlement in the wake of Greek Cypriot rejection of the Annan plan.
It was attended by over 150 people, including 60 Greek and Turkish Cypriots and participants from Turkey, EU member states and institutions, the US and Russia.
Participants represented the full range of political views on the island including many who did not agree with the Annan Plan. The discussions were held on a personal and anonymous basis to encourage a free exchange of ideas, which prompted accusations of “secret” shenanigans by the international community, although the government had been invited but declined to attend.
One of the main participants in the conference was Britain’s former Cyprus envoy Lord David Hannay who is perceived by many in the Greek Cypriot camp as being the leading architect of the Annan plan. This also fuelled the controversy.
In its conclusions the Wilton report said: “It would be helpful if the Greek Cypriot government were to make a clearer statement of its commitment to a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, since its current ambiguity on how to proceed is interpreted as negativity by some.
“This could be reciprocated by a similar Turkish Cypriot re-affirmation of their serious intent following the Turkish Cypriot elections this spring.”
It did not recommend a return to the negotiating table at the moment, saying it would unwise “when the divisions and mistrust generated by the referenda are still widespread”.
“It remains for the leaders of the two communities to decide when the time is right to re-enter negotiations,” the report said. “Politicians should take time to reflect and avoid expounding unattainable wish lists.”
The report did suggest that increased contact between politicians on both sides would be beneficial. “But above all, unilateral implementation of steps to increase interaction and cooperation between the two communities, not least to mutual economic advantage, could over time provide far more fertile ground for successful negotiation of a settlement. Every effort should be made to activate such cooperation,” it added.
“To succeed, future negotiations must address the fears and interests of both communities in a fair and balanced manner.”
Greek Cypriots were concerned by the provisions for Turkish troops to remain on the island for some time after a settlement came into force, by the Treaty of Guarantee provision for Turkey’s continued unilateral right of intervention, and by elements of the Plan relating to governance, Turkish “settlers” and the return of refugees to their properties, according to the report.
“Opinion poll information presented at the conference suggested that Turkish Cypriot ‘yes’ voters were primarily motivated by the desire to end their economic and political isolation, to enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, and to avert the risk of future conflict, with a desire to live with Greek Cypriots and return to their homes in the south secondary motivations.”
The conference also delved into the main issues surrounding a settlement such as a workable constitution, property rights, security and the economics of a solution. “It is evident that all these issues will require a degree of compromise by both communities,” the report said.
On the economic aspects, Wilton participants agreed that the development of a draft economic plan for a post-settlement Cyprus would go some way to putting fears about extortionate costs of a solution to rest.
“However, measures to bridge the economic gap between the two communities should not wait until a settlement comes into force. Indeed, allowing the north to develop economically in the interim will make the eventual process of harmonisation of the two economies smoother,” the report said.
It said there were calls from both Greek and Turkish Cypriots for an enhanced role for the EU in any future process, “but it was made clear that there was no prospect of the EU undertaking a mediating role”.
“The EU can provide financial assistance to facilitate a solution but would not be willing to get directly involved in negotiations that involve one or more member states,” it said.
“There is a lot of sensitivity on the island towards any notion of outside interference. As with most disputes, international involvement was nevertheless seen as critical for achieving an eventual solution, with the UN remaining the natural body to provide such support.”
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