What Future for the Cyprus Problem?

Abstract

The history of the Cyprus problem is thought to be a history of “lost opportunities.” This
paper reflects on that thought and suggests that the discourse on “lost opportunities” is framed
around certain political biases and preferences. The latest UN initiative on the Cyprus problem
(2008-2012) is paradigmatic. The UN and other actors saw a “unique opportunity” in two
individual leaders. They were wrong in their judgment and expectations. There is little
evidence that a new “opportunity” has emerged with the election of Mr. Anastasiades to the
Presidency of Cyprus. In the end, the discourse on “opportunities” constitutes a considerable
liability of the Cyprus Problem. After so many failures, it is high time to consider banning
the “opportunity discourse” and focus on the realities of the Cyprus problem.