EU island that's been split in two for 50 years 'unlikely' to reunite for decades

This island has been divided for nearly 50 years, and now a decision has been made about whether it will reunite anytime soon.

The reunification of Cyprus is “off the table”, a former US ambassador said.

John Koenig served as US ambassador to Cyprus from 2012 to 2015. Over the course of 30 years, he held key roles such as Deputy US permanent representative to NATO and other significant positions.

Koenig now works as a lecturer at the University of Washington’s Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.

He shared his views on the prospects of Cyprus’ reunification talks; he said he had tried to bring the two communities together during his previous job.

Ekathimerini reports that Koenig also urges Europe to reduce its reliance on the US and NATO, take charge of its future, and act decisively on key issues like relations with China.

The US has supported a plan to reunite Cyprus under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

Koenig said the last round of Cyprus settlement talks lasted until 2017.

He said: “After Akinci became the Turkish Cypriot leader and Espen Barth Eide took over as UN negotiator, I remained deeply involved.

“This was my second tour on the island, following my role as head of the political section in the 1990s.

“The ambassadorship wasn’t necessarily a promotion, but I cared about Cyprus and, without boasting, likely knew more and cared more about the Cyprus issue than any previous US ambassador.”

Between 2012 and 2015, Koenig said the situation “seemed promising,” but by 2017, nothing had worked.

He added: “Since then, I haven’t seen steps toward a settlement, and, candidly, I don’t think unification is on the horizon. Reunification is off the table for the foreseeable future, likely for decades.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 - Turkey invaded the island and sent warships and troops to Cyprus after the military government in mainland Greece staged a coup and toppled the legitimate island government.

The conflict led to hundreds of deaths, and the island was divided into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus.

The future of Cyprus remains uncertain, but for now, Koenig suggests there will be no significant movements towards reunification.