Cyprus : the challenge of nationalism and the question of a federal solution

This study is an inquiry into the questions concerning the origin and causes of the Cyprus problem and is an attempt to provide an analytical solution for the problem. Since the 1950s, there have been attempts at establishing a partnership government between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. A partnership Republic, between the two communities in the island, was realised in 1960. However, this partnership lasted only three years and then was followed by the division of the island between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots in 1974. After the division of the island, efforts at establishing a federation in the island have been continuing.;It is suggested here that the best possible political association, for the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to live under, is a confederal solution. This idea is based on the fact that in Cyprus there is no Cypriot nation but strong Greek and Turkish nationalities. This fact makes a political association such as federation much more difficult to achieve. A confederal solution will offer time and experience to the Greek and Turkish Cypriots before moving into a federal union. In addition, the confederal solution will offer prospects for both communities in the island to develop closer economic, political and cultural relations.