An important impediment to Cyprus becoming a member of NATO is the opposition of Turkey, which as a NATO member state has the correct of veto.
By Andreas Gr. Orphanides*
ORprospect of the Republic of Cyprus becoming a member of NATO is without doubt one of the most necessary points on the heart of strategic consultations within the Japanese Mediterranean. The assembly of the President of america, Joe Biden, with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on the White Home has reignited the talk about the opportunity of Cyprus becoming a member of NATO. The strategic dialogue between Cyprus and the USA, which has been constantly strengthened lately, offers new dynamics to the place of Cyprus within the Western safety system. Nonetheless, regardless of the alternatives which are opening up, the challenges and obstacles that stay are quite a few and interrelated.
The Biden-Christodoulidis assembly confirmed the strengthened relationship between Cyprus and america, with a particular emphasis on cooperation within the area of safety and protection. The US now sees Nicosia as a dependable accomplice within the Japanese Mediterranean, particularly in mild of its vitality plans and the necessity to stabilize the area. For its half, the Republic of Cyprus is investing in strengthening its strategic place, recognizing that its geographical place and vitality sources make it a essential hub within the context of Western pursuits.
The prospects of Cyprus becoming a member of NATO are inextricably linked to the change within the geopolitical structure within the area. The strategic significance of Cyprus will increase resulting from its proximity to disaster areas, such because the Center East and North Africa, whereas its vitality sources combine it into the broader planning for the vitality diversification of Europe. On the identical time, the strengthening of European Union (EU)-NATO cooperation, wherein Cyprus participates as an EU member state, could be a key axis for its larger integration into Western safety buildings.
Nonetheless, the accession of Cyprus to NATO faces severe challenges. An important impediment is the opposition of Turkey, which as a NATO member state has veto energy. Ankara, which doesn’t acknowledge the Republic of Cyprus, considers that any accession of Cyprus to the Alliance would strengthen the place of the Greek Cypriot aspect on the expense of the Turkish Cypriot neighborhood. The Turkish place is instantly linked to the Cyprus concern, as Ankara maintains that no worldwide initiative associated to Cyprus can proceed with out the participation of the Turkish Cypriots as an equal get together. As well as, the Turkish Cypriot neighborhood perceives the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to NATO as a unilateral motion, which might undermine the pursuit of the type of answer to the Cyprus concern that it’s presently pursuing. Then again, within the Greek Cypriot neighborhood there are historic sensitivities relating to the position performed by NATO within the occasions of 1974, which causes reactions in a part of the inhabitants. Though these sensitivities have diminished lately resulting from altering geopolitical knowledge, they’re nonetheless an element influencing public opinion.
The angle of america in the direction of the accession of Cyprus to NATO is cautious. Washington helps Cyprus' strategic convergence with the West, however refrains from instantly pushing for its NATO membership, recognizing the complexity of relations with Turkey. The US prioritizes sustaining stability within the Japanese Mediterranean and seeks to keep away from strikes that might worsen its already strained relations with Ankara. On the identical time, they’re making an attempt to make use of the cooperation with Cyprus as a method to strengthen regional safety, with out inflicting main geopolitical upheavals.
Regardless of the obstacles, there are concrete steps that would result in larger convergence of Cyprus with NATO. Participation within the Cooperation for Peace Program is an intermediate aim, which might facilitate the gradual integration of Cyprus into Western safety buildings with out frightening speedy reactions from Turkey. As well as, deepening cooperation with the US, notably within the space of upgrading army amenities, army coaching and joint workout routines, might strengthen Cyprus's credibility as a strategic accomplice. On the identical time, Cyprus can use its position in Europe's vitality safety as a negotiating benefit to strengthen its place within the Western camp.
The accession of Cyprus to NATO stays a fancy and long-term problem. Though Cyprus' geopolitical place and improved relations with the US create alternatives, political and diplomatic obstacles are important. The decision of the Cyprus drawback is probably the most essential situation for any motion on this path. The Republic of Cyprus, nevertheless, can proceed to strengthen its strategic place by way of oblique partnerships with NATO and america, whereas sustaining the pliability to adapt to geopolitical developments. The gradual integration of Cyprus into the Western safety buildings could be achieved with steps that won’t trigger speedy reactions, akin to participation within the Cooperation for Peace Program and the growth of its cooperation with NATO member states by way of bilateral and multilateral schemes. The Republic of Cyprus may proceed to concentrate on linking its safety technique with its vitality prospects. Developments within the area of pure useful resource exploitation, such because the EastMed pipeline and vitality alliances with international locations akin to Israel and Egypt, supply Cyprus the chance to current itself as an element of stability within the Japanese Mediterranean. On the identical time, Cyprus ought to proceed to domesticate its constructive picture as a dependable accomplice in america, specializing in areas of widespread curiosity, akin to counter-terrorism, maritime safety and humanitarian help. Sustaining a powerful bilateral relationship with Washington is important, because the US performs a key position within the area's steadiness of energy.
In abstract, the accession of Cyprus to NATO will not be a simple or speedy course of. The consultations between Nicosia and Washington are a constructive growth that strengthens the place of Cyprus, however geopolitical and historic realities make this a long-term aim. Cyprus' technique should stay multidimensional, specializing in strengthening cooperation with america and NATO by way of versatile and gradual approaches, with the last word aim of reaching a simply and lasting answer to the Cyprus concern, linked to NATO membership. Solely on this approach will Cyprus have the ability to guarantee its safety and prosperity, whereas persevering with to play an necessary position within the regional geopolitical scene.
*Professor-anthropologist at Philips College, former rector and former president of the European Group of Larger Training Establishments (EURASHE)
