New Book by Andreas Theophanous, published by Intercollege Press

 

The Cyprus Question and the EU: The Challenge and the Promise

 

A new and timely book by Professor Andreas Theophanous, Director General of the Research

and Development Center – Intercollege entitled “The Cyprus Question and the EU: The Challenge

and the Promise” will be available in the next few days. The book, published by Intercollege

Press, is in English. It deals with the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the

new prospects and challenges resulting from the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the

EU.  It also addresses these developments within the framework of broader dimensions

(including the relations between the EU and Turkey, the American geostrategic objectives and

the role of Britain).

 

The book starts with a short but comprehensive historical review of the Cyprus problem and the

relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the EC/EU. In the second chapter the writer

analyzes the most recent developments in the Cyprus problem, focusing on the period from the

European Council of Copenhagen in December 2002 to the referenda on the Annan Plan on April

24, 2004. In chapters three and four, the author analyzes extensively the provisions of

the Annan Plan and its consequences, not only for Cyprus and its people, but also for the

EU and other players involved. In the fifth chapter Professor Theophanous outlines his

proposals and analyzes the basic parameters of a viable solution to the Cyprus question,

one that will benefit the people of Cyprus, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as well as the

EU and the international community.

 

The author points out that the European dimension of the Cyprus question has been enhanced,

particularly after May 1^st 2004.  The implications are clear: the solution to a European problem

cannot but incorporate the principles and the political and legal culture of the EU. He believes

that such a solution will also serve the interests of all parties involved, directly and indirectly,

because, among other things, it will be lasting and viable, fostering peace and cooperation.

 

Theophanous is critical of the Annan Plan, and maintains that its major objective was not the

solution of the Cyprus problem but rather the promotion of broader geopolitical interests of

third countries, especially of the US, Turkey and Britain. The rejection of the Annan Plan by

the Greek-Cypriots, the author explains, should be viewed as the correct choice, not only

because the Plan failed to address their concerns, but because this decision saved both the

Republic of Cyprus and the EU from potential adventures.

 

At the same time, it is stressed that the outcome of the situation in Cyprus and the

solution to its problems will influence the potential for coexistence and cooperation of two

distinct ethic communities that compose the people of Cyprus, namely the Greek-Cypriot

Christians and the Turkish-Cypriot Moslems. A successful, functional and viable solution

to the Cyprus problem will serve as a major precedent for other cases too. On the other hand,

a solution that leads to a collapse, like the one laid down in the Annan Plan, would serve

as a negative and aversive precedent for the possibility of building multi-cultural societies.

 

The author concludes that a solution based on the historical compromise of federation and

the acquis communautaire, and which also respects the independence of the Republic

of Cyprus, can contribute to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the

broader region, as well as the effective participation of Cyprus in the EU. Therefore, it is

not only in the interest but also within the capacity of the EU to make sure that such a

solution to the problem is advanced.