Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the Athens government (BBC 2006n, par. 1). While Cyprus’ complex political environment is reflected on its foreign policy towards European integration, Cyprus is internally struggling with its conflict. As a result, Cyprus has a UN peacekeeping mission. Cyprus has contributed troops to non-UN missions. On March 4, 1964, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 186 (1964), by which it recommended the establishment of UNFICYP (UN 2006a, par. 1). The force became operationally established on March 27, 1964 (Ibid.). There is also an interesting note about Cyprus, DPKO historical data on contributions shows that “Cyprus provided a voluntary financial contribution of $11, 256,359 dlls for UNFICYP” (UNDPI 1996, 708). Perhaps it is due to its internal territorial partition.
With regards to its participation in other non-UN peace operations, Cyprus, within the framework of its participation in the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), has taken part in the peacekeeping operation ARTEMIS in Bunia, Congo, which was carried out between June and September 2003 (M2P 2003a, par. 1).
Initial variables of the data collection process:
UN/UN peacekeeping policy reform
Cyprus is member of the Non-Aligned Movement (EIU 2006m, 15). But it has had no relevance within the grounds of UN peacekeeping operation.
Perception of peacekeeping
Peacekeeping has a positive image, because it has brought peace to Cyprus. Nevertheless, Cyprus’ main political agenda is focused on full integration with the EU.
Domestic political environment
Cyprus has been de facto divided since the 1974 invasion by Turkey (Ibid., 4).
The population of the southern 57% of the island, controlled by the administration of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC)—the internationally recognized government of the whole island—is almost entirely Greek Cypriot, while that of the northern 37%, which is controlled by the breakaway administration of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), comprises Turkish Cypriots and settlers from the Turkish mainland. (Ibid.)
The island has a demilitarized zone, nominally under the jurisdiction of the UN, and British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), which together account for the remainder of the territory (Ibid.). The main political issue for Cyprus is the search for a settlement to overcome the division of the island (Ibid.). The party system is complicated by the fact that the parties align not only on a left-right spectrum, but also on the basis of different positions regarding the Cyprus question (Ibid., 16). The UN recognizes the Greek Cypriot government (Ibid., 15).
A solution to the division of the island of Cyprus by the end of 2007 remains unlikely and progress will be hampered by elections taking place in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus in 2007 and early 2008 (EIU 2006bj, 1).
Domestic economic environment
Real GDP growth slowed in the first quarter of 2006 on the back of a poor year for tourism (Ibid.). However, “retail sales, construction and financial services remain strong” (Ibid.). Unemployment continues to rise, as does inflation, which is now uncomfortably close to its likely target for Euro purposes (Ibid.).
Military affairs
Both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriots maintain conscript forces (EIU 2006m, 16). In 2005 the Greek Cypriot Cyprus National Guard consisted of 10,000 troops (Ibid.). There are also 1,250 Greek troops (Ibid.). The National Guard has 60,000 reservists (Ibid.). There are some 750 paramilitary forces, including 500 armed police and 250 maritime police (Ibid.).
In March 1994 Cyprus concluded a military pact with Greece, whereby Greece committed itself to defending the Greek Cypriots in the event of an attack (Ibid.).
The Greek Cypriot armory is reported to include about 150 main battle tanks, numerous other armored vehicles and artillery pieces, plus shore-to-sea Exocet missiles, short-range surface-to-air missiles and eight helicopters armed with antitank missiles. In December 1998, Clerides decided, under intense pressure from Greece, the EU and the US, not to deploy Russian-made medium-range ground-to air missiles in the south of the island (they are stored in Greece instead). (Ibid.)
Cyprus has offered to contribute logistical support and reconnaissance facilities, but no troops, to the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force (Ibid.). It is not possible to conclude that this policy will apply to UN peacekeeping operations.
Foreign policy
Cyprus’ participation in the EU peacekeeping operation in Congo was a result of its strong foreign policy towards the EU. As mentioned before, “the Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of its participation in the ESDP of the EU’s CFSP, has taken part in the peacekeeping operation ARTEMIS in Bunia, Congo” (M2P 2003a, par. 1).
Additional variables found after the preliminary analysis:
Climate changes
No record.
Independent negotiations taken by DPKO to seek troops
No record.
Independent negotiations taken by contributor countries to engage non-contributor countries
No record.
Meetings organized by other international organizations to engage in dialogue about peacekeeping
Cyprus has offered to contribute logistical support and reconnaissance facilities, but no troops, to the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force (EIU 2006m, 16).
The Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of its participation in the…ESDP of the EU’s CFSP, has taken part in the peacekeeping operation ARTEMIS in Bunia, Congo, which was carried out between June and September 2003. Cyprus was represented in the operation with Lieutenant-Colonel Kyriakos Georgiou who was posted at the headquarters of ARTEMIS in Paris. Operation ARTEMIS was the first autonomous military mission of the EU, carried out without the use of NATO infrastructure, and was aimed at restoring security and improving humanitarian conditions in Bunia, Congo. It was successfully concluded on September 2003, when the United Nations took over. Taking part in the operation were approximately two thousand officers and soldiers from 17 countries–EU member states, acceding countries and candidate states. (M2P 2003a, par. 1)
