An important role falls on Turkish Cypriot civil society

As peace talks between the supposedly most pro-solution leaders of the divided island of Cyprus have collapsed; the answer to "what now" lingers in the air.

"If you fail never give up because F.A.I.L. means 'first attempt in learning,' says a recent posting I saw in social media. When you apply this to the Cyprus issue; it is obvious there have been too many attempts and that there has not been much learning left to do. In fact for years, those familiar with the problem have been saying the parameters of a viable solution are very well known to each side and that what's missing has been the existence of political power courageous enough to go the extra mile.

"The end is not the end. In fact, E.N.D. means 'effort never dies,' continues the posting. If you get no as an answer remember N.O. means 'next opportunity.'"

So, are the Turkish Cypriots supposed to say that efforts for reunification should never die, and tell their Greek Cypriot interlocutors, "see you in the next opportunity?"

The Greek Cypriots, probably with the exception of those who have land and property in the north, might have the luxury of waiting for the next opportunity. Yet, the Turkish Cypriots who suffer under the embargo do not enjoy such comfort. Without officially closing the doors to a negotiated settlement, they could seek ways that will find partial solutions to key elements of the problem, like land and property issues, which could on the other hand, force Greek Cypriots to adopt a more conciliatory stance.

Looking at the Turkish side of the island, some are complaining about a chaotic mood in terms of the course of action to be taken. Yet, the Turkish Cypriots need to focus and try to find a general consensus on the way forward.