SIR – You described the options for solving the Cyprus problem as “Intractable—or insoluble?” (November 29th). It is neither, unless one is willing to accept that a stronger state can forcefully dismember one of its neighbours; none of the UN resolutions and European Court of Human Rights rulings matter; international rules and regulations do not apply to occupations; civil and human rights are not universal; the Ankara narrative that the Republic of Cyprus does not exist is true; and that Cyprus is Turkey’s vassal state.If one accepts this, which sadly but not surprisingly you seem to do, then its logic leads to your partition argument which, in a bygone age, was the favourite fetish of colonial bureaucrats. A cursory look at the history of partition in the 20th century reveals its moral and political bankruptcy. The European Union strove for unity, not division. There is a risk with your argument. Partition opens the Pandora’s box for other seemingly “intractable” or “insoluble” international problems.
The partition of Cyprus may remain a favourite notion for many academics. But they should know that it cannot be imposed. And legitimacy for its implementation will not be granted to them by the people of Cyprus, whatever the subterfuge used.
Euripides Evriviades
High commissioner of Cyprus
London
