Cyprus Problem Today
Essence of the Problem
Cyprus remains a divided island. The northern part (36.2%) has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. The international community does not recognize this division.
Negotiations under the Auspices of the UN
All negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus are conducted under the auspices of the UN.
❓ Under whose leadership are the negotiations on the Cyprus problem conducted? → UN
Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General
The Special Representative of the UN coordinates the negotiation process. This position changes periodically — follow the news.
UNFICYP
Full name: United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)
When established: 1964
Tasks:
- Patrolling the buffer zone
- Preventing incidents
- Humanitarian assistance
Headquarters: Nicosia
“TRNC” — Unrecognized Entity
In 1983, the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC) was proclaimed in the occupied territory.
Key fact: The “TRNC” is recognized by no country in the world except Turkey.
This means:
- No international flights directly to the north
- No embassies of other countries
- Economic isolation
Attempts at Unification
Annan Plan (2004)
What: UN plan for the reunification of Cyprus
Referendum: 24 April 2004
Result:
- Greek Cypriots: 76% against
- Turkish Cypriots: 65% in favor
The plan was not adopted.
Negotiations in Crans-Montana (2017)
The last major attempt at negotiations. It did not lead to an agreement.
Crossing Points
Since 2003, it has been possible to cross the dividing line through official checkpoints:
| Checkpoint | Where | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ledra Street | Nicosia | Pedestrian |
| Ledra Palace | Nicosia | Car + pedestrian |
| Ayios Dhometios | Nicosia | Car |
| Pergamos | Larnaca | Car |
| Strovilia | Dhekelia | Car |
Important: When crossing, your documents may be checked. Entry into the occupied territory via the ports and airports in the north is illegal from the point of view of the Republic of Cyprus.
Turkish Troops in Cyprus
In the occupied territory there are ~30,000–40,000 Turkish soldiers — one of the highest concentrations of troops in the world relative to the population.
Position of the International Community
| Organization | Position |
|---|---|
| UN | Resolutions demand withdrawal of troops |
| EU | EU territory, but the acquis is not applied in the north |
| USA | Supports negotiations, against partition |
| Russia | Supports territorial integrity |
What to Remember
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Under whose auspices are the negotiations | UN |
| Peacekeepers | UNFICYP, since 1964 |
| Who recognizes the “TRNC” | Only Turkey |
| Annan Plan | 2004, rejected by Greek Cypriots |
| Is it possible to cross the line | Yes, through checkpoints |