So Near and yet so Far: Elusive Settlement in Cyprus

Abstract

Hopes to reunify Cyprus before its accession to the EU in May 2004 have faded after the breakdown of UN negotiations on March 11, 2003. This article explores why a settlement in Cyprus remained elusive in the context of accession. The author argues that although the EU context has made a number of positive contributions to the conflict resolution process, the resolution of the conflict will ultimately hinge on Turkey's progress towards EU membership and whether negotiators can capitalize on a recent thaw in relations berween the two Cypriot communities.