Cyprus: Renewing the peace process

The decision of the Greek Cypriots to reject the UN peace plan in the referendum on 24 April 2004 ensured that Cyprus entered the EU divided. As expected, this has created serious problems for Europe. Cyprus has prevented the lifting of the isolation of Turkish Cypriots by the EU and has shown the potential to disrupt the sensitive relationship and future negotiations between the EU and Turkey. But hopes for a settlement remain limited. The Security Council is blocked and the Secretary-General will not reengage in negotiations without genuine commitment from both sides.

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