Zypern: der Annan-Friedensplan und sein Scheitern
Cyprus: The Annan Peace Plan for Cyprus and Its Failure

Summary/Abstract: The article analyses the basic ideas of the latest plan for the settlement of the Cyprus problem presented by the UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan. The Annan Plan for “The Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem” has been subject to separate referenda in both parts of Cyprus. A clear majority (76%) of the Greek Cypriots opposed the initiative, whereas most of the Turkish Cypriots were in favour of Annan’s plan (65%). The Greek Cypriots’ voting behaviour reflected discontent with the regulations on property reinstatement, territorial adjustment, freedom of residence and security issues. In the eyes of the Greek Cypriots the political equality of the two communities established by the Annan Plan did not reflect demographic realities, i.e. the clear majority of the Greek community. On the other hand, the Turkish Cypriots did no longer follow the guidelines of “President” Rauf Denktash, who strongly argued against the Annan initiative. For the Turks on the island the prospective to become a member of the European Union was more attractive. Nevertheless, it was the territory controlled by the Greek Cypriots that joined the EU on the 1st of May. As it was declared by President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Greek Cypriots will not give up the attempts for unification, but under terms which will reflect their interests to a greater extent. The EU is seen as an appropriate instrument to reach that goal. The EU should be aware that the Greek Cypriot authorities will try to use its membership as an instrument in the dispute with the Turkish Cypriots.

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