Two-state solution (Cyprus)

The two-state solution[1] for the Cyprus dispute refers to the permanent division of the island of Cyprus into a Turkish Cypriot state in the north and a Greek Cypriot state in the south, as opposed to the various proposals for a reunification of Cyprus.

Part of a series on
the Cyprus dispute
Cyprus peace process
The status quo (de facto situation in Cyprus)

The two-state solution would entail the legalisation of the status quo, where the Greek Cypriots govern the southern part of the island while the Turkish Cypriots govern the northern part of the island.

On 14 December 2019, the Foreign Minister of Northern Cyprus Kudret Ozersay said a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem is close to hand.[2]

On 23 February 2020, the Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar said "A forced marriage cannot be successful, we are different, we speak Turkish and they speak Greek. We are Muslims and they are Christians. The new generation does not know each other at all. A child who was 10 in 1974 is now 55, he has grandchildren. We are separated."[3]

Support for two-state solution

In general, the Republic of Turkey has often expressed its support to the two-state solution as alternative to reunification, most notably by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to majority Turkish Northern Nicosia in 2014.[4] According to Greek Cypriot media, the two-state solution is to be pushed by Turkey in case the UN-mediated peace process fails.[5]

Polls

In 2007, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus performed a poll on the topic, with 60% of Turkish Cypriots supporting the idea of the two-state solution to the Cyprus dispute.[1] Another poll in 2009, made by KADEM research, showed a 77.9% support among Turkish Cypriots, with 63% casting doubt over the success of the peace negotiations.[1]

In April 2009, an opinion poll conducted for the CyBC showed that the majority of Greek Cypriots supported partition.[6]

In an opinion poll in 2010, 84% of Greek Cypriots and 70% of Turkish Cypriots assumed that: "the other side would never accept the actual compromises and concessions that are needed for a fair and viable settlement".[7]

On 16 November 2019, European Social Survey poll firm revealed that 13.9% of GCs are in favor of the two-state solution, and 13.7% of Greek Cypriots are neither against nor in favor of the two-state solution but could tolerate it if necessary. Also, 18% of GCs are in favor of the status-quo, and 31.2% of Greek Cypriots are neither against nor in favor of the status-quo but could tolerate it if necessary. Hence, 49.2% of Greek Cypriots are not against status-quo, and 27.6% of GCs are not against the two-state solution. [8]

According to a poll by Gezici, dating January 2020, two-state solution showed a support with 81.3% among Turkish Cypriots.[9]

Opposition to two-state solution

The UN tries to achieve the solution of the dispute via reunification of Cyprus based on a federal model, with the Annan reunification plan as the most concrete example.

References
  1. Salih, Halil Ibrahim (2013). Reshaping of Cyprus: A Two-State Solution:. US: Xlibris. p. 220. ISBN 978-1-4797-8014-3.
  2. "Ozersay anticipates two-state solution". Cyprium News, 14.12.2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. "Brexit can end Cyprus stand-off between north and south, Prime Minister says". Express, 20.03.2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  4. Kempton two state solution
  5. Famagusta two state Cyprus
  6. Loucas Charalambous (5 February 2017). "Why the majority want partition". Cyprus Mail.
  7. "Cyprus 2015 Initiative: Solving the Cyprus Problem: Hopes and Fears; 2011, p. 38". UNDP. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  8. "GC poll on two-state solution, BBF or ?". Cyprium News, 16.11.2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  9. "Gezici Poll firm revealed survey results: Tatar is leading". Gundem Kibris, 20.01.2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
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