Two-state solution (Cyprus)

The two-state solution[1] for the Cyprus dispute refers to the proposed permanent division of the island of Cyprus into a Turkish Cypriot state in the north and a Greek Cypriot state in the south, as opposed to the various proposals for reunification that have been suggested since the island was split into two by the 1974 Turkish invasion. The two-state solution would entail the legalisation of the status quo, where Greek Cypriots govern the southern part of the island and Turkish Cypriots govern the northern part, the latter of which is currently not recognised by any country other than Turkey.

For other uses, see Two-state solution (disambiguation).
Part of a series on
the Cyprus dispute
Cyprus peace process
History
Establishment of UN peace force in Cyprus1964
UNSC resolution 3551974
Annan Plan for Cyprus (UNSC resolution 1250, referendums)1999-2004
2008–2012 talks2008-2012
2014 talks2014
2015–2017 talks2015–2017
Primary concerns
Secondary concerns
International brokers
Proposals
Projects
The current situation in Cyprus

On 14 December 2019, Foreign Minister of Northern Cyprus Kudret Ozersay said a two-state solution to the issue was "close to hand".[2] On 23 February 2020, Ersin Tatar, who was then the Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus and was elected its President eight months later, said that "a forced marriage cannot be successful". He elaborated, "We are different, we speak Turkish and they speak Greek. We are Muslims and they are Christians. The new generation does not know each other at all. A child who was 10 in 1974 is now 55, he has grandchildren. We are separated."[3]

Support for two-state solution

In general, Turkey has often expressed its support for the two-state solution as an alternative to reunification, most notably by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to majority Turkish North Nicosia in 2014.[4] According to Greek Cypriot media, the two-state solution is pushed by Turkey in case the UN-mediated peace process fails.[5]

Polls

In 2007, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus performed a poll on the topic, with 60% of Turkish Cypriots supporting the idea of the two-state solution.[1] Another poll in 2009, made by KADEM research, showed 77.9% support among Turkish Cypriots with 63% casting doubt over the success of the peace negotiations.[1]

In April 2009, an opinion poll conducted for the CyBC showed that the majority of Greek Cypriots supported partition.[6]

In a 2010 opinion poll, 84% of Greek Cypriots and 70% of Turkish Cypriots agreed with the sentiment that "the other side would never accept the actual compromises and concessions that are needed for a fair and viable settlement".[7]

On 16 November 2019, a European Social Survey poll revealed that 13.9% of Greek Cypriots were in favor of the two-state solution, while 13.7% were neither for or against it but could tolerate it if necessary. It also showed that 18% of Greek Cypriots were in favor of keeping things the same, and that 31.2% were neither for or against it but could tolerate it if necessary. The poll concluded that 49.2% of Greek Cypriots were not against the current situation, while 27.6% were not against the two-state solution.[8]

According to a January 2020 poll by Gezici, the two-state solution had a support rate of 81.3% among Turkish Cypriots.[9]

Opposition to two-state solution

The UN has tried to achieve the solution of the dispute via the reunification of Cyprus based on a federal model, with the Annan Plan as the most concrete example, though this was voted down by Greek Cypriots in 2004.

References
  1. Salih, Halil Ibrahim (2013). Reshaping of Cyprus: A Two-State Solution:. US: Xlibris. p. 220. ISBN 978-1-4797-8014-3.
  2. "Ozersay anticipates two-state solution". Cyprium News, 14.12.2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. "Brexit can end Cyprus stand-off between north and south, Prime Minister says". Express, 20.03.2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  4. Kempton two state solution
  5. Famagusta two state Cyprus
  6. Loucas Charalambous (5 February 2017). "Why the majority want partition". Cyprus Mail.
  7. "Cyprus 2015 Initiative: Solving the Cyprus Problem: Hopes and Fears; 2011, p. 38". UNDP. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  8. "GC poll on two-state solution, BBF or ?". Cyprium News, 16.11.2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  9. "Gezici Poll firm revealed survey results: Tatar is leading". Gundem Kibris, 20.01.2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
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