Cyprus has found itself once again at the heart of diplomatic tensions, particularly with the recent high-profile visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the island. This trip marks the first official visit by a British prime minister to Cyprus for several decades, but even before his arrival, it stirred up controversy and accusations of diplomatic faux pas.
Starmer’s visit is closely watched and highly significant, especially considering the historical and continuing division of the island, which has been split since 1974 after Turkish troops intervened following a Greek-backed coup. The island’s complex political history includes failed reunification attempts and longstanding grievances between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
On Monday evening, Starmer touched down on the divided island after concluding visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He aims to engage with the Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, concerning matters such as defense, trade relations, and the repercussions of Brexit, alongside discussions of the so-called “Cyprus problem”.
Interestingly, though he is scheduled to meet with the Greek Cypriot leadership, Starmer has not planned any engagement with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, which has not gone unnoticed. Critics have pointed out this oversight, arguing it’s contradictory to his previous experience with the Northern Ireland peace process, where inclusive dialogue was key to progress.
Rikki Williams, co-chair of the “Freedom and Fairness for Northern Cyprus” group, stressed the importance of addressing both sides of the Cyprus divide. “The prime minister should recall his time involved with the Peace Process for Northern Ireland. At the time, he wouldn’t have spoken to just one side!” Williams emphasized the necessity for dialogue, cooperation, and the equal treatment of both communities to build trust and pave the way for long-lasting resolutions.
This criticism resonates particularly due to the UK’s role as one of the guarantor powers for Cyprus, alongside Greece and Turkey. Historically, the UK’s involvement has included trying to mediate peace, but its recent diplomatic engagements have raised eyebrows among Turkish Cypriots who feel excluded from the discussion.
Following this sentiment, Starmer’s office has received calls from Tatar’s administration to initiate dialogue, yet these pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The Turkish Cypriots view his visit as symptomatic of broader neglect by European powers, who they argue tend to lean toward the Greek Cypriot perspectives, thereby overlooking their rights and concerns.
Meanwhile, negotiations have faltered largely due to contrasting proposals on various matters, including potential new crossing points between the two communities. The Greek Cypriots have taken the lead by submitting proposals for these crossing points, which has led to accusations from the Turkish side about one-sided negotiation efforts. Given this environment, any progress relies heavily on bridging the gaps created by differing perspectives and historical animosities.
Add to this mix the promise of international mediators, with Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Assistant Secretary-General, scheduled to visit at the beginning of the new year. This visit is expected to focus on preparing for the so-called “4+1” informal talks involving Turkey, Greece, and the leaders of both communities, aiming for constructive dialogue on the future of Cyprus negotiations. DiCarlo’s discussions could play a pivotal role, yet many are left pondering whether the continued focus on one side would yield meaningful results.
Although the Greek Cypriot side has claimed readiness to collaborate on the proposed crossing points, no consensus has been reached. The discussions led by DiCarlo will be part of preparations intended to reshape future negotiations centered around inclusivity and addressing all parties involved fairly. The support for separate governing structures for both Cypriot communities has gathered some traction recently, especially from figures such as former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, indicative of shifting sentiments about potential resolutions.
Starmer’s visit and subsequent discussions bring to light the intricacies of Cyprus’s political arena, where even small missteps can inflame tensions between the communities. The hope remains, albeit fraught with challenges, for renewed dialogue and maybe even positive steps toward bridging the divides. Recent history has shown it requires patience and concerted efforts from all involved to inch closer to peace on this strategically significant island.