The Divide Between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots: Beyond 2017 and Beyond

For more than a decade, the divide between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots has grown significantly since the last significant push for a peace settlement in 2017. This article explores the underlying factors and historical context that have contributed to this divide.

Historical Context Leading to the Divide

The roots of the Cypriot conflict go back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the British colonial rule and the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) in 1960 as a neutral state. However, initiatives for peace and reunification have not been pursued with sincerity, as seen through the preconditions imposed on the majority Greek Cypriot population and the various diplomatic efforts that have failed.

The 1960s and 1970s

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots coexisted within the RoC. However, tensions began to rise as the Greek Cypriots sought greater autonomy and the Turkish Cypriots felt threatened. Pre-independence agreements and British and American interference aimed to ensure that the RoC would remain effective but failed in the face of the Turkish invasion in 1974.

1974 and After: Turkish Invasion

The invasion of Cyprus by Turkey in 1974, following a coup supported by Greece, marked a significant turning point. Turkey established a permanent occupation force, which continues to this day. This occupation significantly altered the demographics and political landscape of the island. It has also led to a division of the island, with the continued existence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey.

Major Push for Peace Settlement: 2017

The 2017 peace push, hosted by Switzerland's Crans-Montana conference, aimed to revive the peace process. This initiative, re-packaged from the previous UN/Annan Plan, sought to establish two legal entities within the framework of the RoC, partitioning the island. While the talks were filled with rhetoric of reunification, former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw stated that partition was the only viable outcome. Despite the efforts, the negotiations collapsed, leaving the divide entrenched.

Impact of the 2017 Efforts

Following the 2017 peace push, the divide between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots deepened further. The international community's response to the aftermath of the peace talks was largely absent, mirroring the silence surrounding the Turkish invasion in 1974. The increased efforts to alter demographics and the imposition of an arms embargo on the RoC by the US and other countries only further exacerbated the divide.

Artificial Creation of Divides

Historically, the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots was not natural but artificially created. The Ottomans, who controlled the island from 1578 to 1878, and the British, who governed from 1880 to 1960, played significant roles in fostering a sense of division between the two communities. This artificial divide was then perpetuated by Turkey, with the invasion in 1974 and ongoing occupation.

Conclusion

The divide between Greek and Turkish Cypriots has deep historical roots and has been exacerbated by international failures to address the core issues. The 2017 peace push, despite its good intentions, was ultimately unsuccessful. The international community must take a more assertive stance to resolve the conflict and address the ongoing human rights violations and demographic changes in the occupied territories of Northern Cyprus.