The Intercommunal Negotiations after 1974 and Future Prospects

Abstract

On 13 July 1974, two constitutional experts, Michael Dekleris and Orhan Aldıkacti from Greece and Turkey respectively, who had been supporting the enhanced intercommunal negotiations, reached a tentative agreement on the Cyprus problem. This was to be ratified on 16 July by Glafkos Clerides and Rauf Denktash on behalf of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot Community. However, the coup against President Makarios on 15 July by the Greek Junta and the subsequent Turkish invasion on 20 July changed the overall political scene drastically. Not surprisingly, the basis of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem changed from a unitary State to what eventually came to be known as a bizonal bicommunal federation. This paper assesses the results and repercussions of successive rounds of intercommunal negotiations under the auspices of the UN since 1974.4 In addition, certain suggestions are made for the future.