| Author (Person) | Davies, Eric | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Title | In Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Details | 2.5.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Publication Date | 02/05/2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In Cyprus, May Day 2003 saw a joint demonstration by Greek and Turkish Cypriot trade unionists in Nicosia. The event symbolised the easing of relations between the two communities, which have been divided since 1974. Despite the failure of a UN-sponsored plan to reunite the divided island, there have been a number of subsequent initiatives to promote better relations. The Turkish Cypriot authorities have eased their restrictions on travel and the border has now been opened in three places. Since it was opened, some 160,000 people have reportedly crossed the UN-patrolled Green Line. Most have been Greek Cypriots travelling north to visit their former homes. Rather than being allowed only to make day trips, they can spend up to three nights in hotels - a move which should help boost the Turkish Cypriot economy, and which the BBC says has been welcomed by local people. Traffic from north to south has largely comprised Turkish Cypriots applying for passports and looking for jobs. One negative note was struck when Greek Cypriots attacked a group of Turkish Cypriots visiting their previous home in the south of the island. The incident was immediately condemned, with the Greek Cypriot Justice Minister, Doros Theodorou, saying it was 'unacceptable'. From 2 May 2003, a package of 'confidence-building measures' introduced by the Greek Cypriot government lifted trade sanctions against the Turkish Cypriot north of the island, which were introduced 20 years ago. Farmers in the north will be able to sell their produce in the south and also export to the European Union, while Turkish Cypriots will also be able to access 'healthcare and other state benefits available to Greek Cypriots' (BBC). Official documents issued in northern Cyprus - including car registrations - will now be accepted in the south. The package - said to have been agreed with the European Commission - appears to be a direct response to the easing of border restrictions by the Turkish Cypriots. According to the BBC, 'while these steps will clearly go some way to ease the tension and the economic imbalance between the two communities, there are no signs that the key political issues of territory and sovereignty are any closer to being resolved.' Yet if Turkey's own bid to join the European Union is to be successful, a resolution must be achieved. The easing of border restrictions was announced in the wake of the signing by the Greek Cypriot government of the Accession Treaty which will see southern Cyprus join the EU on 1 May 2004. If there is no agreement to unite the island before then, the south will join the European Union and the north will be arguably more isolated than ever. Turkey and Greece are still discussing the possibility of re-opening negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations, although the Financial Times reported UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan as saying UN peace efforts would not resume 'without solid reason to believe that the political will exists for a successful outcome'. Links:
Eric Davies The Turkish Cypriot authorities eased their restrictions on travel in May 2003 allowing the border dviding the island to be opened in three places. |
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| Countries / Regions | Cyprus, Malta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
