Cypr w polityce Turcji
Cyprus in Turkish Politics

Author(s): Adam Michalski
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Inter-Ethnic Relations
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Summary/Abstract: Cyprus has traditionally played a significant role in the politics of the Turkish Republic and has been the subject of a long-running debate conflict between the Republic of Cyprus and the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Cyprus North (TRCP), which has intensified in recent years. This is due to its inclusion by Ankara to the tools of influence both in its regional and domestic policy. In the view of the current Turkish authorities, the dispute over the use of Cypriot natural gas deposits, coupled with the deep destabilization of the Mediterranean region, coincides with their rising ambitions to revise the regional order (this applies to sea borders and exclusive coverage economic zones). Consolidation of influence in TRCP and active use of this card by Ankara is part of that strategy. In parallel, the question of Turkey's increasing role in Cyprus is becoming an important element of internal policy - it allows to expand and unite the base political authorities. As a consequence, their actions towards Cyprus (and the region) are recent years, the cause of growing disputes with the European Union (EU) and the countries of the region (including NATO allies), negatively affecting political relations between the parties as well leading to incidents involving their navies. Fundamental character of this dispute, the radicalization of Ankara's stance, but also the confrontational attitude of the regions Turkey's rivals pose a risk of further escalating Turkish-EU tensions around the island and in the region the entire Mediterranean.

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