The Cyprus Problem has recently been identified as the second most pressing issue among Turkish Cypriots according to a survey held by the Centre for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS), Kibris Postasi reported. The survey showed that 59% of Turkish Cypriots favour a solution to the Cyprus Problem, although optimism for a positive result is low.
Mine Yücel, the Director of CMIRS, noted that the findings of a survey conducted in September 2024, involving 500 participants, highlighted several factors contributing to this sentiment. This included the prolonged halt in negotiations following the Crans-Montana talks in 2017, political changes resulting from the 2020 Presidential elections, and the unsuccessful attempts by the UN to find a resolution. These events have significantly eroded the confidence and hope of Turkish Cypriots regarding their ability to influence the Cyprus Problem.
Despite the challenges, Yücel remarked that Turkish Cypriots continue to express a desire for a resolution, echoing sentiments from the Annan Plan era. [The results of the referendum which was held in April 24, 2004, were that in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), approximately 64.9% voted in favour of the plan. However, in the Republic of Cyprus approximately 76% voted against the plan.] The recent survey indicated that 59.06% of respondents favour an agreement on the Cyprus Problem, while only 36.94% remain optimistic about achieving such an agreement. Conversely, 40.94% indicated they do not support a resolution.
As the two leaders convene this evening in New York for a dinner focused on the Cyprus Problem, Yücel underscored the significance of public opinion in this context. She emphasised that past negotiation processes have often been conducted without societal awareness and advocated for future discussions to incorporate the views, concerns, and expectations of the community.
Similar to the Annan Plan period, a significant portion of the population still desires an agreement, though optimism remains low. In a hypothetical referendum, 54.45% of participants indicated they would vote in favour, while 6.07% were uncertain. This uncertain group primarily comprises individuals who wish to see the content of the proposal before making a decision but generally lean towards supporting an agreement. The percentage of those who would vote against the proposal was noted at 39.47%.
