Cyprus may be small, but its reunification could have huge Global ramifications

Recently, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, said during a quick visit to Cyprus that, after decades of impasse, the reunification of the island was “within reach”.

The most obvious reasons for the “tangible progress” witnessed by Kerry on these issues are Nicos Anastasiades, the president of the Greek Cypriot south, and Mustafa Akinci, President of TRNC. These men, who both hail from the same southern city of Limassol, are new to their jobs, far more moderate than their predecessors and, crucially, willing to compromise.

According to some estimates, reunification could boost the island’s GDP by €5bn within five years (or €1,700 per capita) and €10bn within 20. This is a considerable fillip given that GDP in the south was only €21.1bn in 2014.

Cyprus may be small. But it's geographic location (the most easterly country in the EU) gives it huge strategic importance. The island's reunification could spark big geopolitical consequences.

[Source]