Cyprus: Energy not a reason but a prize of solution

Although the discovery of huge hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has created a significant opportunity for a solution to the Cyprus question, energy alone may not be enough for a solution. There are two Firstly, the current situations on both sides of the island are still economically and politically sustainable; secondly, the conditions that required the partition of Cyprus in the first place are still valid to a degree. Deteriorating Turkey-EU relations also work against a solution.

Hydrocarbon reserves discovered in the Israel-Lebanon-Cyprus-Egypt quadrangle are thought to be a new and positive parameter for a solution to the Cyprus question. Indeed, this project could create economic opportunities for an atmosphere of cooperation between the peoples of the island and countries in the region. However, due to regional problems its political feasibility remains unclear because the Cyprus question is one of the "fixed" variables of Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics.

Despite the death in 2012 of Rauf Denktaş, who was often regarded as the main cause of deadlock, the Cyprus problem still persists five years later. This shows that the problem sources from structural reasons rather than specific leaders. Firstly, the position of the Greek side produces no costs of any kind to it, which causes asymmetry between the two sides. Secondly, the political motivation for a solution is weakening in Turkey. It can also be said that the conditions which caused the Cyprus question have not disappeared completely.

The Greek Cypriot side - although it has sustained its irreconcilable attitude toward the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (and Turkey) - faces no serious costs from the international community. The best example of this is the...