UN’s Role in Reconciliation: Upholding Sovereign Will for Fairness
Title: Turkish Presidency Calls for Respect of Sovereign Will in UN’s Role in Cyprus Conflict
The Turkish Presidency has expressed its disappointment with the recent press statement released by the United Nations (UN) Security Council regarding the Cyprus conflict. The statement of the Presidency emphasized the need for the international body to respect Turkey’s sovereign will and make decisions within that framework if it truly wants to contribute to a comprehensive and fair reconciliation.
The UN Security Council’s press release came after a meeting where Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, presented two reports on the Goodwill Mission and Peacekeeping activities. The Turkish Presidency criticized the statement for serving the continuation of the status quo, which the Security Council itself described as unacceptable.
One of the key issues highlighted by the Presidency was the Security Council’s continued reference to the exhausted solution model, which the Turkish Cypriot people have withdrawn their support from after years of inconclusive negotiations. This insistence on an outdated approach hinders the prospects of a fair, permanent, and sustainable solution on the island. The Turkish Cypriot people feel disappointed with the Council’s unwillingness to recognize their concerns.
The Turkish Presidency reported that federation negotiations have repeatedly failed due to the unchanging hegemonic vision of the Greek Cypriot side. They argue that this solution model is not suitable for the unique conditions in Cyprus. Insisting on the same unsuccessful and exhausted ground would only serve to maintain the status quo and further consolidate the Greek Cypriot side’s comfort zone. Moreover, it would enable them to maintain their illegitimate status.
The Turkish Cypriot people, who have experienced isolation and restrictions, are striving for a positive outcome rather than engaging in negotiations for their own sake. They believe that achieving a different result requires a different approach. Acknowledging the presence of two separate peoples and two separate states on the island, the Turkish side emphasizes the recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status as key factors in achieving a different conclusion.
The Turkish Presidency urges the UN Security Council to play a constructive role in the Cyprus conflict by respecting Turkey’s sovereign will and taking decisions within that framework. They emphasize that the Turkish Cypriot people will not succumb to impositions as they have demonstrated in the past.
In conclusion, the Turkish Presidency has called for the UN’s respect of Turkey’s sovereign will in its efforts to contribute to a comprehensive and fair reconciliation in Cyprus. They argue that a different approach is required to reach a sustainable solution and ensure stability in the region. The Turkish Cypriot people remain committed to their cause and expect the international community to consider their legitimate concerns.
