The United Nations and the Cyprus Question, Research Paper Example

The Kingdom of Denmark expresses her deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Cyprus. The latest eruption in hostilities is, in essence, nothing new; it is merely another symptom of the failure to reach a common ground between Cyprus, Greece and Turkey on the status of the island. Whereas it appears that historical progress has at times been achieved, such as the 1959 agreement, which established the framework for not only a Cypriote constitution, but also paved the way for the 1960 Treaties of Guarantee, Alliance and Establishment. The failures of these previous agreements, despite their initial promise, is nevertheless clearly demonstrated in the latest outburst of hostilities. The slow decomposition of these agreements, evinced in events such as the failure of Greek and Turkish Cypriotes to agree on how to fairly split taxes, has now reached a more fervent point, as the emergence of a Greek military rulership in Cyprus (Joseph, 391), has exacerbated the situation, leading to the reported atrocities that are being carried out at the current moment (Hannay 4). The deadly corollaries of the current situation are lucid: Cyprus may become the site of a conflict between the sovereign nations of Turkey and Greece.

A crucial step was made when the United States halted the boiling-over of hostilities. (Joseph, 391) Yet those who view this as only a temporary solution are most likely correct. It is the position of the Kingdom of Denmark that if the deep systematic causes for the conflict are not properly addressed, Cyprus will remain on the precipice of war, with only the slightest agitation needed to push her into the abyss.

The modern tradition of Danish foreign policy has always emphasized peaceful dialogue between nations, avoiding armed conflict at all costs. This position is not only consistent with the greater Danish world-view of how politics should function, but is also consistent with the legal frameworks of the United Nations, most clearly stipulated in settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.” (UN Charter, Article 2) Whereas the realization of this Article is especially difficult when considering a long-simmering conflict, such as the one between Greece and Turkey in regards to Cyprus, it is precisely the international community that must aid in these situations as a locus of negotiation, attempting to bring together the parties involved in conflict. Such a commitment to dialogue and restraint is therefore demonstrated in Denmark’s support of UN Resolution 254, which calls for the immediate ceasing of hostilities and a bringing together of involved parties to the negotiating table.

According to the Kingdom of Denmark, one of the crucial means with which to realize this immediate aim as well as the long-term aim of a peaceful solution to the crisis in Cyprus, is to ensure that the current UNFICYP peacekeeping forces remain in Cyprus for the foreseeable future. (International Organization 978) With the increase in hostilities UNFICPY peacekeeping forces represent an objective and mediating presence on the island, crucial to preventing any descent into violence.

Yet the UNFICYP peacekeeping forces can themselves only do so much. A responsibility for halting the violence on Cyprus is clearly dependent upon sober leadership on both the Greek and Turkish sides. Current violence is not taking the form of organized military tactics, but rogue, criminal violence, as citizen turns against citizen based on cultural and religious lines. It thus becomes critical for all those in positions of leadership, in both the political and non-political fields, to call for the cessation of violence, and furthermore, in the view of Denmark, to work towards negotiations that shall serve as the testing ground for possible solutions.

The Kingdom of Denmark would also like to highlight the necessity to deal with the existing refugee crisis in Cyprus. Whereas we concentrate on the current violence and the cessation of potential future violence, it remains pertinent to not forget those who have already been displaced because of the crisis. The trauma of displacement can become a breeding ground for further tension, such that the commitment to the rights of refugees becomes paramount; moreover, the refugee crisis is clearly an issue of humans rights, and therefore the international community, so as to maintain their ethical character, must help those who currently suffer.