Cyprus' last chance

The current negotiations for reunification in Cyprus have entered a decisive phase. The daily Frankfurter Rundschau predicts that the talks represent the last chance to find a solution to the Cyprus problem in the long term. "At least in the Greek Cypriot Dimitris Christofias and the Turk Cypriot Mehmet Ali Talat we have two men who want an agreement. This was not the case with previous attempts. Talat in particular has a burning interest in making a success of the negotiations. Only if the division of the island ends can the door to Europe open for the Turkish people. This would be good not only for Cyprus and the Cypriots: a solution to the Cyprus problem could also help to resolve the conflict between the wrangling Nato partners Greece and Turkey. This would serve to defuse tensions in this smouldering trouble spot in the eastern Mediterranean. ... So is this a win-win scenario? Not quite, as the advantages for the Greek Cypriots are not so clear-cut. ... If a solution is found they would have to give up their status as sole legal authority."

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