Optimism is good, even on Cyprus

Even if there is still a huge discrepancy in the description of terms between the two Cypriot sides, it was hard to believe but even Archbishop Hrisostomos was talking optimistically that perhaps this time a Cyprus resolution might be within reach.

During an interview with this writer at his Nicosia archiepiscopate office, the archbishop was, as always, rather picky in his words. He did not, for example, use the term "parasites" this time to refer to mainland Turkish settlers on Cyprus. Yet he insisted that any agreement that did not foresee a withdrawal of all - except those married to Turkish Cypriots or established families on the island who "might stay for humanitarian reasons" - "illegal" mainland settlers, Turkish troops and an end to Turkish, Greek and British guarantees was untenable.

Despite all his "optimistic" remarks, the archbishop was very clear in stressing that he would advise his people to support a "true federal resolution" which must have a very strong central government and two local administrations taking care of domestic affairs with no external or sovereign powers.

Definitely the archbishop was against any sort of bi-zonal or bi-communal arrangement that might imply "two states" on the island in any fashion the Turkish Cypriots have been demanding. What he could agree to the most was "two communal domestically self-governing communities living together in a federal Cyprus which will be created with the current Cyprus Republic changing its constitution and acquiring a federal nature."

I will write more on my interview with Hrisostomos and some other Greek Cypriot politicians in the days ahead but more or less the remarks of the archbishop reflected the general mood in the southern Greek Cypriot-run Cyprus...