The Accession of the Cyprus Republic to the European Union and Perspectives for a Solution to the Cyprus Crisis

The ongoing crisis in the island Republic of Cyprus that is caused by the continuing Turkish military occupation since 1974 must be resolved - in accordance with established principles of international law, and in view of the forthcoming accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union (EU). The resolution of the Cyprus crisis can and should proceed independently from the negotiations concerning the EU accession and the broader geopolitical concerns that involve the Middle East region. The independent island Republic of Cyprus is a credible candidate for accession to the EU community of nation-states, in accordance with its established criteria. However, the prospects of peace, security and prosperity for the Cypriots are clouded by the continuing illegitimate Turkish military occupation of approximately 40 percent of the Island's territory since 1974. Indeed, Turkey has threatened the use of military force and outright annexation of the occupied sector should the EU grant Cyprus' accession application. This SRP will analyze the Cyprus crisis and will show that its resolution can be based on existing principles of international law as they have been manifested in various UN Security Council and. General Assembly resolutions regarding this crisis. Furthermore, the analysis will show that the resolution of the Cyprus crisis can be based on Cyprus' accession to the EU which will benefit all ethnic and religious segments of the Cypriot population. In addition to those, the resolution of the Cyprus crisis will lead to improved prospects for Turkey's accession to the EU, the permanent improvement of Greek-Turkish relations and the consequent strengthening of NATO's flank in the Southeastern Mediterranean.