Greek Cypriots concerned about developments

The overwhelming majority of Greek Cypriots believe that time is running against them as far as the Cyprus issue is concerned and are worried about the current situation and any future negative developments.

According to a survey conducted between 7 and 30 March 2007 by the consulting and research company Noverna, on behalf of the Institute for Social and Political Studies, 70% of Greek Cypriots, supporters of various political parties, believe that time which elapses without any tangible results regarding a solution is not in favor of the Greek Cypriot side but rather it works for the Turkish Cypriot side.

Only 2% believe that time works in the interest of the Greek Cypriot side. The survey was presented by Harris Papageorgiou, Executive Director of Noverna. Most Greek Cypriots, who took part in the survey, express concerns, fears and uncertainty about the current situation but also about any future negative developments for the Greek Cypriot side.

The majority stated that they are not aware of the content of talks between representatives of the leaders of the two communities, to pave the way for substantive negotiations.On future developments, only 6% feel very optimistic and 32% say they are rather optimistic, while 18% of those asked said they are very pessimistic and 39% answered “rather pessimistic”.

The majority of young Greek Cypriots expressed pessimism. “The great degree of pessimism is probably linked to the impression that we are a small country with no influence”, Papageorgiou said. The survey has shown that refugees are more optimistic than non refugees.

The ones who declared their optimism are the ones who voted against a UN-proposed solution plan (the Annan plan) which was rejected by the Greek Cypriots and approved by the Turkish Cypriots in a referendum three years ago.

According to the survey, Greek Cypriots have not linked the Annan plan to the solution model of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. They are also not aware of the actual meaning of such a model. The majority of those questioned believes that nothing has changed (48%) since 2006, 26% said things are worse and 23% said there have been positive developments. More than 50% of Greek Cypriots wish for a solution that would reunite the island and 28% would like to see a political solution that separates Greek Cypriots from Turkish Cypriots.

When asked which solution is more realistic, 35% answered the bizonal, bicommunal federation. Over 50 % believe that the most possible solution is either the continuation of the status quo or the solution of two separate states. Furthermore, the survey has shown that developments in Cyprus in the past three to four years have brought the Cyprus issue high back on the agenda.

Greek Cypriots, 68%, said that the Cyprus problem affects their lives and 82% of them are concerned about the solution of the problem. Most concerned are people over 65 in contrast to the younger generation who is less concerned about the solution.On 24 April 2004, the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities were called to approve or reject in two separate referenda the UN envisaged Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

The overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriot community rejected the plan while the majority of the Turkish Cypriot community approved it. Cyprus became a full EU member state in May 2004.