Cyprus has a long history of political leadership that has often neglected the rights of Turkish Cypriots. Drawing on insights from an article on Politis titled "Οι Πρόεδροι και οι κυβερνήτες της Κύπρου" (The Presidents and Governors of Cyprus), this analysis critically examines Greek Cypriot leaders and their impact on the island’s division.

From Archbishop Makarios to the current leader, Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Cypriot leadership has frequently prioritized a unitary, Greek-dominated state over meaningful engagement with Turkish Cypriots, reinforcing divisions and hampering prospects for peace.

Archbishop Makarios: Laying the Foundations of Division

Archbishop Makarios, the first president of Cyprus (1960-1977), is often celebrated by Greek Cypriots as the father of the nation. However, from a Turkish Cypriot perspective, his policies laid the groundwork for exclusion and conflict. Makarios openly pursued enosis (union with Greece), a move that directly threatened the Turkish Cypriot community’s rights and security. His attempts to amend the 1960 Constitution to diminish Turkish Cypriot influence marked a significant step toward marginalization.

 According to Politis, “Makarios' approach was not about inclusivity but rather a calculated effort to assert Greek Cypriot dominance."

Makarios' leadership coincided with the outbreak of intercommunal violence in 1963, known as "Bloody Christmas," when Greek Cypriot forces targeted Turkish Cypriots. This period saw the displacement and killing of hundreds of Turkish Cypriots, with Makarios failing to condemn these actions. Politis observes that his “narrow vision for Cyprus” significantly undermined trust and hopes for a future.”

Spyros Kyprianou: Continuing the Hardline Path

Spyros Kyprianou, who succeeded Makarios in 1977, reinforced the exclusionary policies of his predecessor. Kyprianou was known for his nationalist rhetoric and refusal to engage with Turkish Cypriot leaders on equal terms. His administration rejected proposals for a bi-zonal or bi-communal federation, attempting instead to maintain Greek Cypriot hegemony over the entire island. The Politis article notes, "Kyprianou’s tenure was marked by a continuation of Makarios’ hardline policies, offering little in the way of concessions or meaningful dialogue."

Kyprianou’s alignment with non-aligned countries, particularly the Soviet bloc, further isolated the Turkish Cypriots and solidified a policy of exclusion. His uncompromising stance made it clear that the Greek Cypriot leadership had little intention of negotiating a fair settlement.

George Vassiliou and Glafcos Clerides: Half-Hearted Efforts at Peace

George Vassiliou (1988-1993) initially presented himself as a moderate, willing to negotiate with Turkish Cypriots. However, his efforts were seen as insufficient. While he engaged in UN-led negotiations, Politis points out, “his actions were viewed by many Turkish Cypriots as half-hearted and lacking genuine commitment to political equality.”

His successor, Glafcos Clerides (1993-2003), presided over the drafting of the Annan Plan, which proposed a federal solution to the Cyprus problem. Despite Clerides' support, the plan was ultimately rejected by the Greek Cypriot side in a 2004 referendum, demonstrating a deep-seated reluctance to treat Turkish Cypriots as equal partners. The Politis article states, "Clerides’ failure to garner sufficient support exposed the enduring resistance to genuine power-sharing."

Tassos Papadopoulos: An Era of Rejection

Tassos Papadopoulos (2003-2008) is widely remembered for his emphatic rejection of the Annan Plan. In 2004, he made an emotional televised appeal, urging Greek Cypriots to vote against the proposal. "I urge you to reject the Annan Plan to protect our future," he declared, leading to a decisive ‘No’ vote in the referendum. This rejection marked a significant setback for peace efforts and confirmed the Greek Cypriot leadership’s unwillingness to share power with Turkish Cypriots.

Papadopoulos’s tenure is seen by many Turkish Cypriots as a period of lost opportunities. His hardline stance maintained the status quo of division and ignored Turkish Cypriots' right to self-determination and security.

Dimitris Christofias: Hope Diminished by Economic Crisis

Dimitris Christofias (2008-2013), the island's first communist president, was initially seen as a potential bridge between the communities. His left-wing ideologies suggested a departure from nationalist rhetoric. However, economic challenges overshadowed his presidency, limiting his ability to achieve meaningful progress on the Cyprus issue.

 According to Politis, "Christofias' presidency was marked by an economic crisis that hampered his ability to negotiate effectively."

Christofias engaged in talks with Turkish Cypriot leaders, but his proposals were considered inadequate and failed to address core concerns, such as political equality and security guarantees.

Nicos Anastasiades: Unfulfilled Promises of Reunification

Nicos Anastasiades, president since 2013, initially supported the Annan Plan and promised to work toward reunification. However, his administration has been criticized for failing to deliver on these commitments. Despite several rounds of UN-sponsored negotiations, including the 2017 Crans-Montana talks, there has been little progress. Politis quotes Anastasiades saying, "We remain committed to a united Cyprus," but notes that "these words have not been matched by actions that genuinely support Turkish Cypriot aspirations."

Anastasiades’ unilateral decision to proceed with gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean without consulting Turkish Cypriots has been viewed as provocative and damaging to trust-building efforts. The article notes that "Anastasiades' policies on natural gas exploration reveal a disregard for Turkish Cypriot rights and contribute to increased regional tensions."

Nikos Christodoulides: New Leadership, Old Strategies

Nikos Christodoulides, the current Greek Cypriot leader elected in 2023, has presented himself as a reformist, but his actions have followed a familiar pattern of promoting Greek Cypriot dominance. Christodoulides has opposed a two-state solution and resisted direct talks with Turkish Cypriot leaders under UN auspices, affirming his commitment to a unitary state. He stated, “We must work towards a reunified Cyprus,” yet his policies suggest a continuation of the old status quo.

Christodoulides has sought alliances within the European Union and Western powers, further isolating Turkish Cypriots. Politis comments that "the pursuit of a unitary state ignores the realities on the ground and the legitimate demands of Turkish Cypriots for recognition and equality."

Ersin Tatar: Championing a Two-State Solution

In contrast, Ersin Tatar, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), has emphasized the necessity of a two-state solution. He argues, "After so many failed attempts at a federal solution, the only realistic path forward is to acknowledge the realities on the ground and accept two separate, sovereign states."

Tatar’s administration has consistently called for international recognition of the TRNC, asserting that "only through recognition can the Turkish Cypriot people live in peace, security, and dignity."

The Case for International Recognition

The TRNC's lack of international recognition perpetuates inequality and injustice, as noted by Politis: "The absence of recognition continues to isolate the TRNC and hinder efforts for a lasting peace." For Turkish Cypriots, recognition is crucial for fair treatment, economic stability, and cultural identity. It would enable them to fully participate in international affairs and ensure security and equality.

TCE Conclusion: A Call for a Just Solution

The history of Greek Cypriot leadership, from Makarios to Christodoulides, shows a consistent pattern of marginalizing Turkish Cypriots and resisting equitable power-sharing. To achieve a just and lasting peace, the international community must recognize the TRNC and support a two-state solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both communities. Only then can Cyprus move towards true equality and coexistence.

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References

1. Politis, "Οι Πρόεδροι και οι κυβερνήτες της Κύπρου," accessed September 2024.
2. Tatar, Ersin. "A Two-State Solution is the Only Realistic Pathway to Peace," TRNC Government Press Release, 2024.
3. Anastasiades, Nicos. "Promises for a United Cyprus," Cyprus Government Archives, 2014.
4. Papadopoulos, Tassos. "Speech Rejecting the Annan Plan," Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, 2004.
5. Christofias, Dimitris. "Economic Challenges and Political Stalemate," Cyprus Weekly, 2010.