Edition: U.S. / Global

Cyprus Unity Plan Tied to Greek Cypriot Vote

Published: February 16, 2003

The fate of a United Nations plan to reunify Cyprus could hinge on the outcome of a presidential election on Sunday in the southern, Greek-Cypriot-controlled part of the island.

The winner will have to steer rapidly through politically difficult reunification talks if Cyprus is to enter the European Union as at least a nominally united entity.

Cyprus has been divided into Greek and Turkish Cypriot sectors since 1974, when a brief coup by Greek Cypriots led to a Turkish invasion. The island remains a constant irritant in the troubled relations between Greece and Turkey, both members of NATO.

The United Nations wants an agreement by Feb. 28 so the Greek and Turkish Cypriots have enough time to prepare for separate referendums on the agreement, scheduled for March 30, and the signing of an European Union accession treaty on April 16.

Ten candidates are in Sunday's race, but it is widely seen as a duel between Glafcos Clerides, 83, the incumbent president of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, and Tassos Papadopoulos, 69.

A runoff would take place on Feb. 23.

Mr. Clerides presents himself as best suited to settle the unification question and is viewed by outsiders as more accommodating to a negotiated settlement. He enjoys a good rapport with Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriots and president of the breakaway state in northern Cyprus.

Mr. Papadopoulos, who is backed by the left and is doing well in opinion polls, has fought hard to shake off an image as a supporter of a harder line who is disliked by Turkish Cypriots.

Despite the hard-line label pinned on him by opponents, Mr. Papadopoulos is supported by the Communist Akel Party, which has had good grass-roots relations with the Turkish Cypriots. He says he is committed to negotiating the United Nations plan as a basis for a deal.

If there is no deal, the island might join the European Union in May 2004 still divided, holding out the prospect of more headaches for Turkey in its own long and bumpy path toward joining the union.

There are other obstacles. Mr. Denktash, who is seen by some diplomats as a stumbling block to a unification pact, has cast doubt on the prospects of a deal by the Feb. 28 deadline.

''If someone else'' besides Mr. Clerides ''is elected,'' Mr. Denktash said on Friday, ''how long will it take to prepare them to continue with negotiations?''