Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis: "Cyprus Reunification is not a utopia" [OPINION]

Being a firm believer of coexistence, I oppose the argument that people of different religions, language and ethnic backgrounds cannot live together and therefore they have to be separated or that because of past wrongdoings of one generation, future generations will have to suffer the consequences.

Belonging to a generation of Cypriots that carries in its soul the memories and experiences of coexistence, I have always supported the reunification of Cyprus and our people, through the peaceful transformation of our 1960 Constitution from a unitary to a federal system of governance.

Traditional ties of friendship and cooperation, common struggles and painful experiences have characterised the relations between the people of Cyprus throughout the centuries, regardless of ethnic, religious or cultural background.

Cyprus has been and remains a rich and beautiful mosaic of Christians and Muslims, Armenians, Maronites and Latins, Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The tragic inter-communal conflicts of the 1960s and of the Turkish invasion and occupation of 1974 have brought untold suffering to the Cypriots.

Through our separate narratives we have unravelled this tragic history and uncovered the wounds for far too long, without succeeding to solve the problem.

The renewal of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two communities is of fundamental importance in the overall framework of bringing Cyprus and its people back together in their common homeland, transforming it into a harbour of peace and prosperity.

The crucial question we have to answer is: Are we or are we not one people, Cypriots, belonging to one country, Cyprus, with one citizenship and one international identity?

The agreed basis of the solution of the Cyprus problem, and by that I mean the basis which has been agreed under the auspices of the UN, reaffirms that yes, – we are one people, one country, hold a common citizenship and have one international identity as a country.

The central question now facing us is what must be done in order to move forward.

The hard truth is that the quickest way to a solution in Cyprus would be a dramatic change of course on the part of Turkey, by ending its military occupation of Cyprus and supporting a solution in line with international law, the UN Security Council resolutions and the values and norms upon which the EU is founded.

If such a change takes place it would pay huge dividends for all involved, especially for Turkey.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots being a part of a joint federal Government, will fully engage in all decision-making mechanisms of the EU, and contribute to the shaping of policies and decisions that will have a positive bearing on the interests of Cyprus and its people as a whole.

In economic terms, the country will truly prosper, with increased opportunities in tourism, investments and trade, thus further upgrading Cyprus’s global competitiveness prospects.

Normalising relations with Turkey will provide a big boost to such opportunities opening up the huge Turkish market for Cyprus exports, shipping and other services.

For our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, reunification will mean being again part of the international community through our common federal state, which will result in raising their living standards and expanding their overall advantages.

I remain firmly convinced that the prospect of re-unification of Cyprus, its people and its institutions, in conditions of peace and security, for the common benefit of all Cypriots, with adherence to the principles and values that are the EU’s very foundations, is not a utopia. Not only can we achieve this goal, but we have an obligation to make it happen.

What is needed is common vision and steadfast resolve.

[Source]