THE sky’s the limit when it comes to what could happen in the context of a Cyprus settlement, UN Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide said on Friday.
He said economic analysis suggests that the prospects of a united, federal Cyprus far exceed the expected growth pattern of continued divided communities.
In a video message to the second Cyprus Economic Summit at the Acapulco Resort in Kyrenia, opened by Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı, Eide said there were new trade opportunities.
“All Cypriots can trade with all neighbours and everyone can trade with the European Union; there are new investment opportunities; there are new opportunities for commerce and services based on the island serving a broader region – I think generally, the sky is the limit to what could happen in the context of a settlement,” he said.
“But these things do not just happen; they have to be taken care of as we move forward in the Cyprus talks themselves, which is why I keep insisting that we really need to think through the economic dimensions of all aspects of the Cyprus talks.”
To reap the benefits of the economic potential, Cyprus would need strong, clear institutions, clear decision-making processes and understandable rules and regulations for everybody.
“This must be part of what we are doing and this is exactly what the economic chapters are dealing with,” he added.
Experience showed that inclusive economic growth is a key element of stable peace, the special adviser said.
He referred to his engagement with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank was helping to work out the economic aspects of the broader picture of Cyprus reunification.
“The level of support we have from these institutions is unprecedented, not only in Cyprus but also internationally, and I’m very grateful for that,” said Eide.
He also said he was grateful for the support of the European Commission and the European Central Bank, who were deeply involved in the process, preparing respectively the introduction of the European Union acquis across the island but also the preparations of the role of the euro as legal tender island-wide.
“These are key, important elements of a successful economic solution to a divided Cyprus,” said Eide.
