Examining the role of the UN, EU and international community in resolving the Cyprus issue

The Cyprus issue has been a longstanding and complex conflict that has divided the island nation for over four decades. The division of Cyprus into the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north has been a source of tension and instability in the region.

The United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have been actively involved in trying to resolve the Cyprus issue for many years. Additionally, the international community has also played a significant role in supporting the peace process and finding a sustainable solution to the conflict.

The UN has been involved in the Cyprus issue since the early 1960s when Cyprus gained independence from Britain. The organization deployed a peacekeeping force, known as the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), to help maintain stability on the island and facilitate negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Over the years, the UN has facilitated numerous rounds of negotiations between the two sides, including the most recent effort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland in 2017. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive solution has remained elusive, primarily due to the deeply entrenched positions of the two communities on critical issues such as governance, security, and territory.

The EU has also been actively involved in the Cyprus issue, particularly since Cyprus became a member of the union in 2004. The EU status of Cyprus as a member state has added another layer of complexity to the conflict, as it has further internationalized the issue and brought it to the attention of the wider European community.

The EU has sought to support the peace process through various initiatives, including providing financial assistance to help rebuild the economy of the Turkish Cypriot north and promoting inter-communal dialogue and cooperation. Moreover, the EU has repeatedly called for a comprehensive settlement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation that would ensure the reunification of the island.

The international community, including influential countries such as the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, has also played a crucial role in supporting the peace process in Cyprus. These countries have provided diplomatic support, financial aid, and diplomatic initiatives to facilitate negotiations and encourage the two sides to find common ground.

Despite the ongoing efforts of the UN, EU, and the international community, the Cyprus issue remains unresolved. The recent talks in Crans-Montana ended without an agreement, and the prospects for a breakthrough in the near future appear uncertain.

However, the continued engagement of the UN, EU, and the international community is essential for sustaining the peace process and encouraging the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to return to the negotiating table. The support of the international community is vital in promoting a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution to the Cyprus issue.

In conclusion, the role of the UN, EU, and the international community in resolving the Cyprus issue is crucial. It is essential for these organizations and countries to maintain their commitment and support for the peace process, and to encourage the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and compromise. Only through sustained international involvement can the Cyprus issue be resolved, and a lasting peace and reconciliation be achieved on the island.