By James Morrison
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Seize the moment
The U.S. ambassador to Cyprus urged Greek and Turkish Cypriots to
"seize the moment" and work for the reunification of their
island or lose the momentum and see only part of their divided homeland
admitted to the European Union on May 1.
"A window of opportunity for a Cyprus
settlement remains open ... but it is up to leaders, both on the island
and off, to seize the moment quickly, or it will pass," Ambassador
Michael Klosson told the Western Policy Center on a recent Washington
visit.
"This could well prove the best
opportunity ever. Both sides are being asked to make significant
compromises, but the costs of no solution are significantly greater for
all. The United States is ready to help."
The European Union has decided to admit
Cyprus, even if the island remains divided. But the internationally
recognized Greek-Cypriot government would be the only representative, if
the Turkish-Cypriot administration rejects unification. The Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey, which is under
pressure to coax Turkish Cypriots into a settlement or risk its own future
goal of joining the European Union.
Mr. Klosson cited the "momentous"
developments in 2003 as evidence of a favorable climate for reunification.
The United Nations proposed a settlement plan. The Turkish side opened its
border to Greek-Cypriot visitors, and a political coalition that favors
the U.N. plan is now sharing power with politicians who rejected the
proposal.
"What a difference a year makes,"
he said.
Copyright © 2004, News World
Communications, Inc.
