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A Special Report Prepared By Advocacy Department Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Oct. 1, 2014 Thus far, the two sides have been able to complete Dear Reader, only the preparatory phase of the negotiations, I would like to provide you with information re- namely the screening and discussion of substan- garding the ongoing negotiation process in Cyprus tive core issues and tabling of proposals. In order between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot to expedite the process, what should have been sides and also provide general information about done from the very beginning was to confirm the our country. past convergences, but the Greek Cypriot side In order to fully comprehend the reasons announced that it would not accept the previously behind the Cyprus problem and the negotiation reached convergences in order to move forward. process to find a lasting settlement, it is necessary In order to step up the momentum of the process, to have an understanding about the genesis of the the leaders announced on September 17, 2014, in problem. The Republic of Cyprus was founded the presence of Mr. Espen Barth Eide, the new U.N. in 1960 in accordance with international treaties. special adviser on Cyprus, that agreement was The Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples, in reached to move to the next phase of structured their respective capacities as two political equals, negotiations with a view to bridging the gaps entered into a partnership, setting up a joint state. through real negotiations on unresolved core issues The legitimacy of the 1960 republic lay in the and to increase the pace of their meetings. joint presence and effective participation of both The Turkish Cypriot side remains fully com- peoples in all organs of the state. Neither of the mitted to a mutually acceptable settlement on parties had the right to rule the other or assume the basis of the established U.N. parameters and the right to be the government of the other or the island as fact that there exist two equal peoples on the island, neither expects the Greek Cypriot side to reciprocate in the same a whole in the absence of the other in all organs of the state of which represents the other. Consequently, it would be constructive manner so as to facilitate the reaching of a and its government. untenable to claim that there is a single authority to repre- settlement as soon as possible and the holding of separate The partnership Republic of Cyprus was destroyed sent the whole island, disregarding the reality that any solu- simultaneous referenda thereafter. by the Greek Cypriot partner’s onslaught on the tion in Cyprus requires the consent of both sides and both I also would like to provide some general information Turkish Cypriot partner in December 1963, when all peoples. Moreover, the absence of a political settlement about our country, which is a peaceful, welcoming and Turkish Cypriot members in all the state organs were in Cyprus cannot justify the illegal Greek Cypriot claim to safe destination attracting tourists from all over the world. forcibly ejected from their positions. Turkish Cypriots be the government of the “Republic of Cyprus” when it is, The island of Cyprus is at a historically and strategically did not accept this attempted takeover of the partnership in fact, the Greek Cypriot side itself that has dismantled significant location, situated at the crossroads between East state by the Greek Cypriot side and, through their decisive the Constitution, violated international agreements and and West. For this reason, many civilizations have ruled the m e n t art resistance, prevented the Greek Cypriot side from extend- wrecked the partnership set up as a result of which an island and left their mark on its cultural heritage. The un-

D e p ing its authority over the Turkish Cypriot people. In con- exclusively Greek Cypriot administration came into being. touched beaches and natural beauty of the island have also sequence, since December 1963, there has not been a joint After a standstill period in the aftermath of the Annan earned it the title “a corner of earth touched by heaven.” central administration in the island capable of representing Plan, on March 21, 2008 the Turkish Cypriot President All the and other tourist facilities situated within the whole of Cyprus, either legally or factually. Each side Mehmet Ali Talat and the Greek Cypriot Leader Demetris the boundaries of the TRNC are functioning according to has since ruled itself, while the Greek Cypriot side has con- Christofias agreed to establish working groups and techni- international standards. The legislation in force regarding tinued to claim that it is the “Government of Cyprus.” cal committees and the commencement in due course of the permits, licenses and functioning regulations are on par Separate, simultaneous referenda were held on April 24, full-fledged negotiations based on the results of these work- with that of the European Union. Moreover, the crime rate 2004 in the TRNC and South Cyprus on the comprehensive ing groups and technical committees. In the course of this in North Cyprus, which is being internationally monitored, n Tim es ADVOCACYto settlement plan of the U.N. secretary-general that was final- process, the two leaders managed to reach on their own is well below that of South Cyprus and the European ized and submitted to the two sides on March 31, 2004. The convergences on various issues, which was later compiled average. Furthermore, the TRNC enjoys a year-round plan was approved in the Turkish Cypriot referendum by by the two sides and emerged as a “convergence paper.” ash ing moderate climate, which is ideal for various sporting 65 percent, clearly demonstrating that the expressed will of Although Dr. Eroglu stated his commitment following his and cultural activities, such as mountain climbing, the Turkish Cypriot people is in favor of a comprehensive election on April 2010 as the new Turkish Cypriot president scuba diving and paragliding, and offers a fusion of y T he W settlement in the form of a new partnership based on the that he is willing to continue the negotiations from where Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Moreover, our principles of equal status, bizonality and political equality they were left off, Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, who was elected country is also considered “an oasis of higher educa- of the two peoples. On the other hand, 76 percent of the as the Greek Cypriot leader in February 2013, refrained tion” with its 11 universities and 63,765 students from ared B Greek Cypriot people rejected the plan, proving beyond from making any commitments regarding the previously 116 countries and teaching staff from 65 countries. doubt that, in overwhelming majority, the Greek Cypriot reached convergences and insisted that the two sides The TRNC has a modern and well-equipped side is not ready to enter into a power-sharing arrange- should agree on a joint statement before resumption of the airport (Ercan) and two seaports (Famagusta and ment with Turkish Cypriots but, instead, opts to continue negotiations. Kyrenia), which are fully operational. In this connec- to enjoy the benefits of the title of the “Republic of Cyprus,” After a period marked by intense discussions and tion, data show that Ercan has become a steadily growing which was usurped through force of arms in December diplomatic exercise, a joint statement was finally airport that serves over 2 million passengers every year. 1963. concluded by the two leaders on February 11, 2014, Thousands of tourists mainly arrive each year in North Cy- Even though the Turkish Cypriot people have clearly following the bold and constructive steps taken by prus via Ercan. There are thousands more who arrive from Pre p i a l R e p ort A Sp ec

| done their part and utilized their right to self-determination the Turkish Cypriot side, which created an opportu- the Larnaca airport in South Cyprus and cross over to the toward the establishment of a new partnership in the nity for the two sides to reach a solution for the first North to spend their holidays. Many Greek Cypriot citizens island, the international community did not live up to its time since the referenda on the Annan Plan. With their also use Ercan airport for purposes. promises to lift the unnecessary restrictions and obstacles joint statement, the two leaders agreed that their goal is I would like to underline that all United States citizens on the social, economic and political development of the to achieve a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political are most welcomed in our country, and I have no doubt that Turkish Cypriot people. It must be remembered that equality and that this federation will have a single sover- they will enjoy their stay in Northern Cyprus and leave our in his report to the Security Council dated May 28, eignty as defined and enjoyed by all U.N. member states island with good memories. 2004 (S/2004/437), the U.N. secretary-general called under the U.N. Charter and which emanates equally from upon the international community to “cooperate both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. The federation will Yours sincerely, bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate the be composed of two constituent states of equal status, unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the and neither side will claim authority or jurisdiction

THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2 • 2014 2 • 2014 • OCTOBER THURSDAY effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding over the other. their development (para. 93).” It has been seven months since the resumption of Özdil Nami 2 The separate simultaneous referenda also confirmed the negotiations upon the announcement of the joint statement. Minister of Foreign Affairs A new destination in the Karpaz Gate Marina is at the Eastern Mediterranean: information on yacht accom- heart of one of the most attrac- modation packages, contact tive areas of the Eastern Medi- the Karpaz Gate Marina office terranean, amid the unspoiled at 90-533-870-29-83, email beauty of the Northern Cyprus Karpaz Gate Marina [email protected] or visit Karpaz Peninsula. the website at KarpazBay.com. It is the perfect starting place to explore the area’s General information pristine waters, untouched ⦁ The International Council bays and sandy beaches. of Marine Industry Associ- The marina has established ations granted Karpaz Gate itself as a premium the Clean Marina standard and sailing destination since in July 2013. it opened in 2011. It is only ⦁ Turkey is just 48 miles away an hour’s drive from Lefkosa from the northern shore, or (Nicosia) and Girne (Kyrenia). panhandle, of the Karpaz Karpaz Gate, one of the Peninsula. most modern marinas in the ⦁ The marina can accommo- Eastern Mediterranean, was date up to 12 super yachts. constructed as the result of ⦁ The 3,600 square yards of one of the most significant dry storage area include foreign investments ever in modern, fully equipped Northern Cyprus. workshops and a 300-ton The Israeli business com- travel lift. munity invested $100 million ⦁ Karpaz Gate Marina is a into the marina, opening a port of entry with duty-free new tourist gateway to the status. North Cyprus and Karpaz ⦁ The marina produces its region. own fresh water and has a Karpaz Gate Marina was pump-out station and waste designed to meet all the needs treatment center. A Speci a l Repo r of boaters and other visi- ⦁ Visitors and property are tors with bars, a beach club, protected by 24/7 CCTV cafes, , a chan- and security personnel, as dlery, duty-free shopping and well as access control and extensive boat maintenance access cards for each area. facilities. Other attractions ⦁ Wi-Fi access is available t Pr ep and amenities include a water capacity for 300 yachts rang- advanced divers can explore for marinas around the world. and is complimentary for sports center, Hemingway’s ing from 16 to 180 feet. All sites at the eastern tip of the After a rigorous appraisal, spot holders. ar ed By T he W Restobar, a fitness center and yachts in the harbor are pro- island such as the Grand Can- the Yacht Harbor Association ⦁ Shore services include the Mephisto Diving Center, tected from weather. yon and the Lighthouse Reef. awarded the elite status in July an on-site mini-market, a as well as a 108-foot infinity For divers, Karpaz Gate Karpaz Gate Marina is the 2013 after praising the ma- chandlery, a laundry room, swimming pool at the luxury Marina offers warm, clear first of its kind in Cyprus to rina’s ambiance and customer an international currency

beach club. waters and a unique geological acquire Gold Anchor status, service. ATM, a brokerage and a hingtonas T ime s A D The marina has the seabed. Beginners and more the highest accolade available For more details or boat sales office. V OC A D ep CY ar tment |

TH UR sday • Oct o ber 2 • 2014

3 The island of Cyprus in the east- through the Northern Cypriot ern Mediterranean is 40 miles air and sea ports. In 2003, with from the coast of Turkey, 60 the border open, many visitors miles from Syria and 250 miles came from the South to visit. from Egypt. It is the third-larg- Last year, 1,814,708 foreigners est island in the Mediterranean visited. after Sicily and Sardinia. The number of bed nights Cyprus is at a historically and and occupancy rates also have strategically significant loca- increased. In 2011, the total tion, at the crossroads between number of bed nights was East and West. Many civiliza- 2,287,869 and the occupancy tions have ruled the island and rate was 41.4 percent. In 2013, left their marks on its cultural these figures were 2,877,564 heritage. and 47.9 percent respectively. Traces of a historic and In 2013, the four top nation- cultural heritage in the alities whose people stayed 1,310-square-mile Northern Cy- in tourist accommodation prus go back 10,000 years. The establishments were Turkey, first signs of human occupation the United Kingdom, Germany on the island date from 8,000 and the Netherlands. B.C. By the end of August this Since the Neolithic period, year, the total bed capacity marks have been left by civiliza- Tourism in the TRNC reached 19,346 — 69 percent in tions including the Phoeni- the Kyrenia region, 7 percent cians, Assyrians, Egyptians, the Heaven.” are functioning according to seaports (Famagusta and Kyre- in Gazimagusa region, 19 Ptolemaic Dynasty, Persians, The moderate climate of international standards. The nia) are fully operational. Ercan percent in the Iskele region, 4 Hellenes, Romans, Byzantines, Northern Cyprus is typical for laws pertaining to the permits, has grown percent in the Lefkoșa region Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans the Mediterranean. The sum- licenses and functioning regula- steadily and now serves more and 1 percent in the Güzelyurt and the British. mers are long and hot, and the tions are on par with those of than 2 million passengers a year. region. Tourism continues to be one winters are short with little rain- the European Union. The crime Thousands of tourists arrive The number of tourist ac- of the main engines of economic fall. Cold winds, frost and snow rate, according to international each year in Northern Cyprus commodation establishments development in the Turkish are virtually unknown. January monitors, is well below those of via Ercan, and thousands more corresponding to total bed Republic of Northern Cyprus. low temperatures average 50 Southern Cyprus and Europe. arrive from Larnaca Inter- capacity is 132. Of these, 17 are m e n t art According to 2014 estimates, degrees Fahrenheit, and the av- Luxury hotels, family hotels, national Airport in Southern five-star hotels, four are four- tourism contributes 9 percent erage high in July is 104 degrees. boutique hotels and Cyprus and cross into the North star hotels, 10 are three-star to gross domestic product. The annual mean temperature is hotels have been constructed in to spend their . Many hotels, 17 are two-star hotels, The occupancy rate this April 59 degrees. recent years. Tourists swim in Greek Cypriot citizens also use 18 are one-star hotels, five are was 31 percent. Visitors from Vacationers enjoy the golden the clear waters of the Mediter- Ercan for travel. Class II villages, five Turkey and the United Kingdom sandy beaches, beautiful moun- ranean, and amenities include The number of people are boutique hotels, one is a make up the biggest share, but tains, castles, abbeys, palaces, fine buffet dining, conference visiting Northern Cyprus has special-class , 29 are tour- the number of tourists from plant species and tranquil and seminar halls, swimming continued to increase. In 2011, ist bungalows, two are apart European and Eastern countries environment, as well as the pools, water parks, environmen- records show, 801,326 people hotels, three are traditional ADVOCACY D e p n Tim es ADVOCACY to has increased significantly in warm hospitality of the Medi- tally integrated green spaces, came from Turkey and 220,763 houses, one is a holiday home the past few years. The island’s terranean people. recreation and entertainment from other countries. In 2013, and 17 are tourist guesthouses. pristine beaches and natural All the hotels and other activities and gaming facilities. these numbers were 923,308 Other establishments are ash ing beauty have earned it the title tourist facilities within the A modern and well-equipped and 309,445 respectively. They under construction with a “A Corner of Earth Touched by boundaries of Northern Cyprus airport (Ercan) and two show only the people coming total bed capacity of 6,250. y T he W ared B Pre p i a l R e p ort A Sp ec

| THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2 • 2014 2 • 2014 • OCTOBER THURSDAY 4 Higher education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus A Speci a l Repo r

Strategically important for education the autonomous Council of Higher and for social, cultural and economic Education for Planning, Evaluation, development, the higher-education Accreditation and Coordination. All sector constitutes 40 percent of the universities are affiliated and recog- economy of the Turkish Republic of nized by the Higher Education Council t Pr ep Northern Cyprus. This is why higher of Turkey. The autonomous council is

education is an integral part of gov- an associate member of the European ar ed By T he W ernmental policy and why Northern Association for Quality Assurance in Cyprus is considered an oasis of higher Higher Education and a full member of education. the International Network for Quality The population of Northern Cyprus Assurance in Higher Education. It also

is roughly 300,000. Its 11 universities is a full member of the Central and hingtonas T ime s A D have 63,765 students: 34,206 from Tur- Eastern European Network of Quality key, 12,505 from the Northern Cyprus Assurance Agencies in Higher Educa- and 17,054 from 114 other nations. Fac- tion and a board member of the Asso- ulty members come from 65 countries. ciation of Quality Assurance Agencies This depicts the international charac- of The Islamic World. ter of higher education in Northern Many of the Northern Cypriot uni- Cyprus. versities are accredited by numerous V

Northern Cypriot universities are: international authorities and are full OC

⦁ Eastern Mediterranean University. members of the European Universities A ⦁ Girne American University. Association, the International Associa- D ep CY ⦁ Near East University. tion of Universities and the Federa-

⦁ Lefke European University. tion of the Universities of the Islamic ar ⦁ Cyprus International University. World. tment ⦁ Middle East Technical University. Degrees from Northern Cypriot uni- ⦁ Istanbul Technical University. versities are recognized and accepted | ⦁ Mediterranean Karpaz University. all over the world. Students receive THURsday • Oc to be r 2 • 2014 ⦁ University of Kyrenia. quality education at international ⦁ British University of Nicosia. standards with relatively low tuition ⦁ Cyprus Social Sciences University. fees and various choices for dormitory/ The higher education institutions accommodation facilities. The sys- offer: tem offers an education environment ⦁ Associate degrees. predominantly in the English language. ⦁ Undergraduate degrees. Financial assistance to prospective ⦁ Master’s degrees. international students in the form of ⦁ Doctoral degrees. scholarships and grants are available All higher education institu- from the universities and the Northern tions established in Northern Cy- Cypriot government. prus are audited and accredited by 5 Why there should be direct flights to Northern Cyprus

By Rachel Avraham for Israelis to visit for that are because of the absence of diplomatic one can take a day trip on a boat, visiting geographically close to and inex- relations. different beaches that the island has to There are not many places nearby that pensive, and where the population is not Greece is not too far away geographi- offer while enjoying the Mediterranean Israelis can visit that are inexpensive hostile toward Israeli people. With the cally. But with the rise of the Golden waves. My husband and I enjoyed these and not hostile. However, the Turkish advent of the Arab Spring, visits to Egypt Dawn Party, which is neo-Nazis and wonders while staying in a three-star Republic of Northern Cyprus is a place and Jordan are no longer advisable for the fourth-largest political party in the hotel that was much cheaper and better that Israelis can visit, enjoy for relatively Israelis. The vast majority of the popu- country, the environment in Greece is quality than the average hotel in Eilat. little money and be welcomed for who lation is not only hostile. Both countries not welcoming for Jewish people. Aside Even without direct flights existing to they are. There should be direct flights are in the middle of revolutions, making from that, the Greeks use the euro, which Northern Cyprus, it was cheaper to fly so Israelis can more easily visit Northern visits very dangerous for any foreigner. is an expensive currency for Israelis. Re- Pegasus into Northern Cyprus than it is Cyprus. Other countries in the Arab Middle East garding the Greek side of Cyprus, while to fly into Limassol on the Greek side These days, there are very few places aren’t even options for Israeli tourists it is safe to visit there as an Israeli, the of the island. basic problem with going there is that Every Turkish Cypriot person we met everything is very expensive for Israeli was very friendly. No one seemed to have holders. It is not an affordable problems with Israelis at all. We did not vacation for Israelis. hide from anyone where we came from, So where can Israelis travel to that and I even walked around wearing Star of is nearby and relatively inexpensive David earrings. Although they are Mus- and where the population is not hostile lim, Turkish Cypriots are very secular toward Israelis? This year, my husband and don’t have any problem with Jewish and I decided that the Turkish Republic people. Their government is also very of Northern Cyprus was the ideal place liberal, secular and democratic. Freedom to vacation. There are many beautiful House ranks TRNC freer than Turkey. historic sites from many historical pe- There is only one impediment that riods. There are magnificent medieval might prevent Israelis from visiting castles, such as the one in St. Hilarion Northern Cyprus, and that is the fact and Kyrenia, which houses the archaeo- that there are no direct flights. When logical remains of the oldest ship in the you are flying from Israel, it is very silly world, dating to the times of Alexander to need to fly to Istanbul just to reach the Great. Northern Cyprus, which is geographi- There are ancient ruins, such as the cally closer. Many Israelis don’t want beautiful mosaics in Soli and Salamis, to have to waste so much time reaching which has the potential to be as great a vacation destination that is so close. m e n t art of a as Pompeii, given For this reason, the Israeli government the fact that it contains the remains of should seriously consider initiating di- an entire ancient city dating back to the rect flights to Northern Cyprus, so more 11th century B.C. that was destroyed by Israelis can take advantage of this prized Arab pirates in A.D. 648. The Old City of tourism destination without having to Famagusta has an uncanny resemblance fly via Turkey. Political calculations to the Old City of Rhodes, with its related to Israeli policy on the Cyprus numerous shops, restaurants, conflict should not have to block Israelis historic sites and general magnificent from enjoying such a wonderful and af- ADVOCACY D e p n Tim es ADVOCACY to atmosphere. fordable travel destination. The beaches in Northern Cyprus http://www.jerusalemonline.com/ rival the beaches in Israel. Not only are news/world-news/around-the-globe/ ash ing they prettier, but they are also easier to opinion-why-there-should-be-direct- swim in. From the port city of Kyrenia, flights-to-northern-cyprus-7919 y T he W ared B Pre p i a l R e p ort A Sp ec

| THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2 • 2014 2 • 2014 • OCTOBER THURSDAY 6 Hon. Mark Meadows of in the House of Representatives Mr. Speaker, today I rise to very long process, it deserves the political, economic and social be resolute in supporting these express my support for the our commendation. A peaceful structure of not just the island of talks. The power of diplomacy is people of the island of Cyprus. resolution would set an example Cyprus but also of the entire world. strong. The world is watching and The Greek Cypriots have agreed of stability in a region beset by Mr. Speaker, I restate my resolute waiting with hopeful anticipation. to come to the table and begin turmoil, tumult and upheaval. support for the start of talks negotiations with their Turkish The Turkish Cypriot people have between the Turkish Cypriots and counterparts. The United States been isolated for too long. They Greek Cypriots. It is important stands by its commitment to peace have desired a unified island for that we encourage both sides to in the Eastern Mediterranean. nearly half a century, and this remain at the table and negotiate

While this is merely the new start is a significant step in good faith. I also implore our A Speci a l Repo r beginning of what could be a toward their reinstatement into State Department to continue to

Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas in the House of Representatives t Pr ep prosperous future for all Cypriots. coup, animosity toward Turkish communities, and will allow while Greek Cypriots, as the

Over time, members of this House Cypriots increased and the Cyprus Turkish troops to return home. Republic of Cyprus, utilize EU ar ed By T he W have delivered, and will deliver, that was once unified became an Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan membership and the global flows statements denouncing Cyprus’ environment where the Turkish called again this week for a of commerce, is an imbalance status quo, while placing all Cypriots no longer felt safe nor political settlement based on that must be redressed. responsibility of it with Turkey and welcome in their home country. mutual consensus and the political The only solution to this imbalance,

its actions in 1974. It is scarcely Turkey defends it was within its equality of both communities. and the status quo in total, is a hingtonas T ime s A D noted that in 1963, as a result of rights to protect the population Turkish Cypriots demonstrated comprehensive agreement where ethnic tension, Turkish Cypriots as a guarantor power under the their desire for the reunification the rights and equality of both were compelled to leave the joint 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. of the island through their communities are recognized, institutions of the Republic of Each year, we hear from one side support — a decade ago — of respected and maintained. Both Cyprus. This hostile environment that a final settlement can be the Annan Plan, which contained parties will have to give if common Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Turkish Cypriots continued achieved once Turkey withdraws drastic compromises for both ground is to be secured. I call regarding the 40th anniversary and, in 1974, the Cypriot National its forces from the island. The communities, yet was rejected upon both sides to continue their V of the division of Cyprus, and Guard, supported by Greece’s Turkish government has previously by the Greek Cypriot community. efforts on this front and express OC

to encourage a final settlement military junta, launched a coup stated time and again its desire The continuing isolation of Turkish my hopes that the administration A that makes possible a reunited to secure enosis — or unification for a final settlement that protects Cypriots from the international will do everything within its power D ep CY island and a shared, peaceful and — with Greece. Following the the rights and freedoms of both community in the 10 years since to support such a process. ar tment | Hon. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky in the House of Representatives THURsday • Oc to be r 2 • 2014 Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the to realize its full potential in is being made. That said, many represent a historic opportunity heels of the 40th anniversary the international community. controversial issues remain and to put all Cypriots on a path to of a divided Cyprus. A division This past February represented a the path forward will be a difficult peace and prosperity. During that has left both Turkish and significant shift in the deadlock one. This makes it even more this process, it’s important that Greek Cypriots bogged down in when both Cypriot leaders important that the United States all parties remain focused on an unacceptable status quo that resumed long-stalled negotiations Congress, the administration, the future of Cyprus and refrain continues to impede economic and issued a joint statement the United Nations, Turkey, from inflammatory dialogue that and social progress on the outlining principles the two Greece and other stakeholders serves only to derail progress. island. Until these differences sides will use to work toward a remain engaged and continue A comprehensive settlement are resolved, all Cypriots will reunification of Cyprus. Both sides to encourage expeditious, good- is within reach, and I would feel the negative effects of this have met regularly since this faith negotiations on both sides. encourage my colleagues division and Cyprus will be unable announcement and real progress I believe these negotiations to support this effort. 7 Turkey builds massive pipeline to send drinking water to thirsty Cyprus

gas pipelines that typically rest on the ocean floor, the Baris Su will “hang” about 800 feet below the surface, its high-density poly- ethylene segments held up by a series of poles running down to the seabed. Environmental groups have raised some concerns about the long “tethers” holding up the pipeline and whether the project can withstand tsunamis, earth- quakes and the Mediterranean’s submarine traffic. But because the pipe carries water, not oil or gas, backers say any ecological damage would be limited. Still, the project remains politically fraught on an island that has resisted past efforts at political reunification. Turkey, which first sent its troops to the northern part of the island when ethnic clashes broke out in 1974, remains the only coun- try that officially recognizes the Turkish Republic. A U.N.-backed referendum for political recon- ciliation in 2004, considered the best chance to date for a settle- m e n t art By David R. Sands communities, but only “as long as East Peace Research Center, an heart of the project is a 50-mile ment, fell apart after the majority The Washington Times [Greek Cypriots] take the hand of Ankara think tank, told the online underwater pipeline crossing the Greek Cypriot community voted peace we are offering.” regional news service Al Monitor. Mediterranean. Unlike oil and it down. An ambitious pipeline project Water is a constant concern Beyond its political implica- linking reservoirs in Turkey to the for the island, which has intensi- tions, the pipeline represents parched, isolated Turkish Repub- fied desalination and conserva- what experts say is a remarkable lic of Northern Cyprus is on track tion efforts in recent years to engineering feat and one Turkish to bring much needed drinking compensate. The Cyprus News officials say they could replicate water to the island by year’s end. Agency reported in August that in exporting water to other mar- ADVOCACY D e p n Tim es ADVOCACY to Engineers behind the Baris the island’s reservoirs were at kets in the region. Su (“Peace Water”) project said only 37 percent capacity, down Other countries, including earlier this month they passed from 73 percent a year earlier. and Spain, have built giant ash ing the halfway point on the 66-mile The Baris Su pipeline is designed networks to fresh water undersea pipeline, and could be to meet the Turkish Republic’s to regions that need it, but the Cy- y T he W delivering fresh water from Tur- drinking and irrigation needs prus project will include several key to Turkish Cypriots for drink- through at least 2040. unique features. ing and agricultural development “Water is like oil and gas for Project engineers have con- ared B by the end of the year. the region,” Veysel Ayhan, direc- structed dams on both the Greek When completed, the $500 tor of the International Middle and Turkish Cypriot sides, but the million-plus pipeline is projected to deliver some 19.8 billion gallons of water annually and give the ethnic Turkish enclave significant new economic and political lever- age in the standoff with the ma- TRNC Water Supply Project Pre p i a l R e p ort A Sp ec

| jority Greek Cypriot community The TRNC Water Supply Project, which will allocated for irrigation. The water will One of the island’s biggest plains, that has kept the Mediterranean transport drinking and irrigation water to be transferred from the just-completed the Mesarya, has not been able to island divided for four decades. the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Alaköprü Dam in southern Turkey. sustain agriculture efficiently because Turkish officials, including from Turkey with a 50-mile-long pipeline, The total cost of the project is budgeted of the Mediterranean climate, which is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will be completed by the end of the year. at $432 million, including $25.2 million susceptible to droughts. The project’s who visited the island this month, The pipeline project will use an undersea for structures in Turkey, $348 million for irrigation potential will help farmers say they hope the prospect of a crossing suspension system, the first the undersea pipeline and $14.9 million work the 11,920 acres of land. reliable water source will spur of its kind, to supply 45 million square for the structures in Northern Cyprus. If the Turkish and Greek Cypriot the local economy and give fresh feet of drinking and irrigation water Northern Cyprus has limited underground administrations reach a cooperative impetus to reconciliation talks to Northern Cyprus annually. and surface water resources because agreement, the pipeline project could between the two communities. Within this framework, 23 million square it is an island, but the water project be extended to the south part of the

THURSDAY • OCTOBER 2 • 2014 2 • 2014 • OCTOBER THURSDAY Mr. Erdogan told Turkish Cypriot feet will be used for drinking purposes will improve development potential island, serving as an instrument of peace leaders the water could be used and 22 million square feet will be significantly over an estimated 50 years. and trust between the communities. 8 by both the Greek and Turkish