American Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Cyprus involved three objectives and one risk. Regarding the Cyprus problem, emphasis is placed on firmly supporting the initiative of returning the Turkish-occupied city of Famagusta to Greek Cypriot control as a means of building trust which could not only result in economic and political benefits, but also benefit the negotiating process for all the parties involved. Mr. Biden, an authority on foreign policy in the U.S., had supported endeavors to that end as the head of the U.S. Senate’s foreign relations committee during the Reagan presidency, which proved a tough period for the Greeks. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that he was chosen to resolve this long-standing issue.
It remains to be seen if reaction on the Turkish Cypriot side is averted and if there will finally be any settlement. At the present stage, it is not only a question of allowing experts into the sealed-off section of Varosha, in order to assess the situation concerning buildings and their current condition, but also to achieve mine clearance in Deryneia and the rest of the disputed areas so as to pave the way for the implementation of the proposal.
The other two objectives are integrated in a long-term master plan. The first concerns the political dimension given to energy issues and the prospect of finding oil and gas resources in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Washington encourages the involvement of American gas and oil companies in pumping hydrocarbons, and in this respect may promote bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The second objective involves Nicosia’s commitment to the joint Euro-Atlantic crisis management in Ukraine and the enforcement of sanctions against Moscow. White House administration officials underlined: “Cyprus is the newer, but most powerful, key partner for the United States.” It was directly stated that “the discovery of hydrocarbons in the Cypriot EEZ could position Cyprus, we believe, as an energy and economic leader in the region.” Satisfaction was expressed for the “redefinition” of the country’s foreign policy and Nicosia’s involvement in the Euro-Atlantic framework, despite traditionally close ties with Moscow. Cyprus’ “regional leadership role” was recognized in eliminating chemical weapons from Syria and addressing developments in the Middle East.
Joe Biden is the first U.S. vice president in over 50 years to travel to the island of Cyprus, after Lyndon Johnson’s visit in 1962. What makes it even more alarming is the fact that he was chosen to travel to the Turkish-occupied territory of Nicosia and to meet with the Turkish Cypriot leader. Regardless of how one sees things and although the meeting will not take place at Mr. Eroglou’s “presidential” office but at an adjacent building, it nevertheless constitutes an “upgrading” of relations to say the least, if not an implicit recognition, which will astutely be exploited by the Turkish side. The Cypriot Republic was reassured that “In order to avoid any attempt to exploit the meeting for other purposes the vice president will meet Mr.Eroglou not in his usual office but in an adjoining building, without any symbols whatsoever.”
The day before yesterday in Bucharest, Mr. Biden stated, “Europe’s borders should never again be changed at the point of a gun, which is why we condemn — condemn — Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea.”
It would be useful to repeat that same statement in Nicosia, this time addressing Ankara, not Moscow. But that’s not enough. On arriving to Larnaka airport, Mr. Biden underscored, “The United States — I want to be clear about this — recognizes only one legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus, and my visit and meeting throughout the island will not change that. It is my personal position. It’s the position of the United States of America and it’s the position to the entire world — save one country.”
This statement is welcome, but if important progress isn’t made on such major issues ranging from Famagusta to energy security issues or if it is handled wrongly, there is a risk that Cyprus’ potentially most important ally’s visit, instead of contributing to healing wounds, will make the situation dramatically worse.
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