Eide causing discomfort in the Cyprus talks

SEFA KARAHASAN

Good offices mission, which by definition must remain at equal distance to the two sides on the island but head of UN envoy Espen Barth Eide is drawing criticism with his insolence to the authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. UN Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide is at the very center of target of criticisms with his recent meetings on the island. Mr. Eide is working very hard on a formula to result in a ‘fait accompli’ agreement in Cyprus ahead of the upcoming Norwegian elections. His attitude does not go unnoticed.

A month ago, Eide talked about ‘serious progress’ and then a month later, he talks about how ‘not optimistic he is’. Additionally, he is not refraining from acting in a way that abuses his duty on the island. Before or after the two leaders’ meetings, Eide runs to the Greek Cypriot authorities. He ignores the authorities and political parties in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Every now and then for show, he goes to the North. In such a visit recently, Eide visited TRNC Prime Minister Huseyin Ozgurgun for a very short meeting.

Eide disregards the north

Eide, who does not leave the Greek Cypriot Ministry, did not even visit Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu. He does not want to meet him because according to him, Mr. Minister is ‘extremely nationalistic’ in his political views. Mr. Eide also knows very well that there will not be a solution in Cyprus in 2017. On the other hand, Eide, who can easily be found at AKEL or DISI premises, would not even remember where the main opposition party CTP’s headquarter is.

Respect for all views

The question is where does head of UN Good Offices mission on the island Mr. Eide, who has by now met with every politician in the south side, find the right to ignore the politicians elected by the Turkish Cypriot people? Does Mr. Eide believe that the ‘yes’ vote from the Greek Cypriots be sufficient to bring the solution in Cyprus? UN official must be self-critical and must abandon meeting with people who think like him and Mr. Eide must respect all views in Cyprus. He must not forget he is the head of the good offices mission.

Final words not said yet

The rumor has it that Mr. Eide has made promises on Turkey’s sensitivities. It would be a grave mistake to believe Ankara, which sees Cyprus problem as a national cause, to be taking contradictory steps on the issue. Finding a lasting agreement on equal grounds in Cyprus will not happen simply by listening to the Greek Cypriot side. Mr. Eide should know this fact! Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people have not said their final words on the Cyprus problem and no one in TRNC will approve any agreement that will ignore the rights and the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. We wish to remind the UN diplomat this fact once more.”