Political resolve fuels hope over Cyprus

Turkey has made a diplomatic jumpstart to 2016.

The settlement of dormant conflicts gained momentum with the Nov. 24, 2015, downing of a Russian jet as Turkey felt the urge to enhance its security ties with NATO and reinvigorate negotiations for EU membership while seeking ways to mend the broken ties with countries such as Israel and Egypt in order to diversify its economic markets and energy resources. 

In this context, the Cyprus issue, which continues to loom over Ankara's potential EU membership, has regained importance.

The settlement of the Cyprus conflict is crucial in terms of maintaining security in the Mediterranean during such a tumultuous period. It will also provide a healthier ground for energy cooperation between Turkey and Israel and thus contribute to Europe's energy security.

Will peace find a chance?

Long-stalled peace talks have been reinvigorated following Mustafa Ak?nc?'s election as northern Cypriot president last April. Ak?nc?'s goodwill and faith in the reunification of Cyprus found resonance with his Greek Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Anastasiades. 

The synergy between the two has even enabled them to set a timeline for the resolution of the Cyprus conflict by March. Indeed, as a result of intense negotiations, the parties have reached a common understanding on the main issues - even if they are still short a full agreement.

In this respect, the declarations made by Ak?nc? and Anastasiades at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week were encouraging. 

While Anastasiades said 2016 could be the year to end the unacceptable status quo, Ak?nc? reiterated his determination to achieve a mutually acceptable solution based on a bi-zonal federation with political equality as...