Les Chypriotes Turcs, la Turquie et l’Intégration Européenne: un Bien Étrange Triangle

Abstract

For Turkey, the Cyprus question is one of the most difficult to resolve before its accession to the European Union. The accession of the Republic of Cyprus seems possible even without an intercommunal agreement. Not Turkey’s accession, though. The Turkish Cypriot community is divided and not a monolithic block behind Rauf Denktash, as the Grek Cypriot leaders still seem to believe. Rauf Denktash and the nationalist Right still have legitimacy thanks to their conflict with Greek Cypriot nationalists. Vat the Turkish Cypriot Right stays in power thanks to the Turkish settlers’votes and the support of Turkish politicians and army. The Turkish Cypriot Left, more favorable to the accession, fears the perpetuation of partition in case of accession without a previous or simultaneous intercommunal agreement. The bicommunal movement prepares actively reconciliation, agreement and accession to the EU but suffers hostility from Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities and the very lack of support from the Greek Cypriot political leaders.