OPINION:
The article “Cyprus envoy blames division on Turkey” (World, Friday) repeats the same rhetoric we often hear from the Greek Cypriot side regarding the Cyprus issue.
If the Greek Cypriots had accepted the U.N.-sponsored settlement plan in April 2004 instead of rejecting it by a staggering 76 percent of the vote, the island would be united today. Soon after the Greek Cypriot rejection, the U.N. secretary-general himself described it as a “major setback.” He went on to say, “What was rejected was the solution itself rather than a mere blueprint.” He also asked the Greek Cypriots to reflect on a “bi-communal, bi-zonal federation which means not just two constituent states, but also political equality and the sharing of power.” He finally called upon them to demonstrate “not just by word, but by action” if they were ready to share power with the Turkish Cypriots in a federal structure.
Even Nikos Rolandis, a former Greek Cypriot foreign minister, lists 15 occasions when the Greek Cypriot side rejected proposals for a settlement.
Instead of pointing the finger at others, the Greek Cypriot side should display the sincerity and determination that is truly needed to achieve a comprehensive and fair Cyprus settlement.
BUKET KOP
Second secretary
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Washington Office
Washington
