The following are the key points of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's proposal Monday to end the 28-year division of Cyprus, cited by AFP.
- Cyprus is to become a bi-national state modeled on Switzerland, with a common national government and two equal component states, one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot. A transitional government would be set up for three years to guide the change.
- The boundaries of each component state would be defined by the agreement, which would take effect at midnight on the day after both sides approve it.
- Cyprus is to join the European Union (EU) and maintain special ties with both Greece and Turkey.
- Each component state must respect the laws of the other and not act in a way contrary to the national constitution. Cypriots would have a common national citizenship with equal rights, but each component state may limit the number of residents from the other. The national constitution would safeguard civil rights and the rights of minorities to international standards.
- Cyprus will be demilitarized and would be barred from purchasing arms. Military training and possession of non-sporting arms would be banned. UN peacekeepers will monitor compliance with the peace deal. Greece and Turkey would be allowed to maintain limited military forces on the island and must withdraw any larger force.
- An independent Reconciliation Commission would promote tolerance, understanding and mutual respect among Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Claims by dispossessed property owners would be resolved in accordance with international law. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
