THE accession of Cyprus to the EU could create the preconditions for the solution of the Cyprus problem in such a way that it will safeguard the viability and the functionality of the state, a study released by Intercollege Research and Development Centre said yesterday.
Andreas Theophanous, Professor of Political Economy and Director General of the Centre, told a news conference that a solution should be coupled with European principles and norms and should to a large extent incorporate the acquis communautaire.
“Taking into account the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the EU and the prospects for a solution of the Cyprus problem, it is of vital importance that the Cypriot people as a whole be prepared for the new era,” said Theophanous.
“In this context, the Turkish Cypriots should also enjoy the benefits of this new era, as well as undertake the responsibilities that these involve. The accession to the EU, which will benefit the Cypriot people as a whole, has been achieved thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of the Greek Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriots, on their side, should consent to a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the European principles and realise at the same time the need to respond to the obligations that arise through being a member state of the EU.”
His report sets out nine areas where changes are needed to the Annan plan. He believes that instead of reunifying Cyprus, the plan consolidates division, does not secure a unified economy, while several of its provisions cause serious problems for the viability and the functionality of the state.
He said that in any solution, the continuation of the Republic of Cyprus must be safeguarded. “It is not possible for a member state of the UN and the EU to abolish itself and be placed on a par with the ‘TRNC’, a Turkish protectorate,” he said. “What should be aimed for would be the re-integration of the northern part of the island into the Republic of Cyprus under an agreement which will, in effect, be equivalent to a constitutional amendment leading to a new state of affairs.”
The report also says that the treaties of Guarantee and Alliance of 1960 should be abolished. “It is absurd for a member country of the EU to have guarantor powers, one of which, moreover, is not even a member of the EU. Similarly, Greek and Turkish troops should not be stationed in Cyprus,” Theophanous said, adding that a multinational force should be deployed for a period of eight to 10 years. “Turkey cannot wish to have closer ties with the EU while insisting at the same time on guarantee clauses for another EU member.”
Other areas he highlighted as needing serious changes refer to the economy. He claimed the economic structure of the state created by Annan V was characterised by distortions and lack of clarity on many issues. “For instance, if a Turkish Cypriot residing in the Turkish Cypriot constituent state and working in the Greek Cypriot constituent state loses his/her job, to which constituent state will he/she apply for unemployment benefits?” he said.
The report also covers issues relating to bi-communality, bi-zonality, property, territory and Turkish settlers, which he said should be dealt with in a decisive manner. Powers of the Central Government, the Hierarchy of Laws and Double Majorities and the Supreme Court under the Annan plan are also covered in the report.
