Politics are today more than ever a game of interests. At least now politicians and authorities do not hesitate to state in public what falls under their interests and what not. However it’s a misfortune that numerous times it’s not in their interest to protect UN declarations that has been sealed and ratified.
The European Union decided solidly to declare sanctions against Russia in regards to the Crimea crisis. Let’s note that Ukraine is not yet a member of the European Union and the EU is at least not obliged to take a stand, however they did, obviously because of interests.
Cyprus on the other hand is a member state from 2004 and the EU has not consistently and powerfully declared any significant sanctions against Turkey that violates the Cyprus exclusiveeconomic zoneandcontinental shelf. The sovereign rights of Cyprus to explore and exploit its waters are consequently challenged and disputed. EU is obligated to take a stand in order to protect one of its member states however they didn’t. UK even announced that Cyprus should have solved the Cyprus issue before exploiting its exclusiveeconomic zone.
It’s common that Turkey is a super power in the Middle East and many EU countries sees more interests in having stable relations with Turkey.
The question is, how far will the game of conflicted interests continue without venturing the safety in the region. What will happen if Turkey takes this one step further and proceed with a military attack in Cyprus. Will Cyprus remain helpless? Will other countries interfere; Will EU remain passive? Let’s not mention the human losses because that’s not measured in the equation. How important is really Turkey to EU?
The EU as a Union that struggles to establish peace and stability in the region and create a foundation with common values and principles should have shown more solidarity to Cyprus otherwise EU jeopardies its authority. In the same time all accomplishments and achievements in regards to human rights, safety and economical treaties that has commonly been agreed among member states during decades faces to get upturned. Are partial unilateral interests worth it? Do international and European bodies reflect over any unpleasant reaction from the European citizens? Is people’s frustration and resentment calculated or not? Do the people have a say or are politicians, diplomats, presidents, prime ministers and other highly suited representatives ignoring people’s willpower? Is it perhaps possible for theme to gain power without peoples vote and approval?
If yes then democracy faces severe problems and should be redefined.
Written by the team of Lawyersincyprus.com
