Déjà vu with discussions on the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation – A new cycle of analyzes and placements opens for the solution format – The course of developments and the arguments of those who are in favor and those who are against, on the Greek Cypriot side
Tatar's insistence on changing the form of the solution, the dramatic stagnation and the political crisis between the Government and the parties that support it, opened a window for a new round of discussions in Cyprus about the value of the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation.In any case, a portion of Greek Cypriots does not and has never seen the proposed solution with a positive eye, considering it problematic, racist and that it will never work.
Let's take things from the beginning. This solution framework was put on the table after the Turkish invasion and locked, after the Greek Cypriot side retreated, in the Makarios High Level Agreements – Denktas in 1977. At that time it was referred to as the Interregional Federation, however the philosophy is the same as the Bizonic. Since then the form of solution has been confirmed by all the Presidents of the Republic.
The framework refers to a federal state with one sovereignty, one nationality and one international personality. In this, the main powers will be concentrated, i.e. foreign policy, defense and economy. It is about the evolution of the single state of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the condition of bizonality, this state will consist of two regions,which will be administered autonomously as far as internal matters are concerned. Bi-communalism envisages the effective participation of both regions in all power bodies of the central government and in decision-making.
Those who agree…
< p dir="ltr">The majority of political forces and citizens in Cyprus state that they are in favor of the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality. One of the main arguments is the fact that this solution is (or at least was) agreed upon by both parties and included in the Security Council resolutions.
They see it as the only feasible solution, which ensures the continued existence of the Republic of Cyprus and ensures its participation in the international organizations of which it is already a member state. Among them the UN and the European Union.
The official position of the Republic of Cyprus adds that “the solution must provide for the complete withdrawal of all foreign troops, the abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees, the withdrawal of the settlers and ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots”. It should still guarantee the unity of the state, institutions, society and economy, be consistent with the European acquis and fully respect the principles on which the European Union is based.
Those who disagree…
Parties, politicians and other personalities express serious reservations about the functionality of the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation. EDEK and ELAM openly disagree with the proposed form of solution, in one of their rare political meeting points. Some other forces introduced the “tail” of the “correct content” into the debate, but they officially support the solution that is theoretically on the table.
The EDEKhas repudiated Bizonic Bicommunity as he considers it racist and anti-democratic. He believes it equates the minority with the majority and promotes ethnic segregation. The Movement still considers that this specific form circumvents the civil and human rights of citizens, introduces restrictions on the establishment and acquisition of property and turns Cypriot citizens into second-class citizens in the European Union.
ELAM also considers that the Bizonic Bicommunal Federation divides the island. The Front is in favor of a unified state, which it considers the only way to confirm Cypriot Hellenism.
Independent personalities who disagree with the agreed framework reinforce the list of arguments by talking about the lack trust between the two communities, the suspicious role of Turkey and potential problematic aspects in governance and power sharing. Some even predict that legal issues and problems of harmonization with the European acquis will arise.
