Understanding Turkish Cypriots’ Constantly Deepening Distrust Towards Greek Cypriots

Abstract

The island of Cyprus has held a permanent position on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for decades. The UNSC regularly adopts resolutions to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP). In 2023, UNSC Resolution 2674 reiterated several points, including “the importance of achieving an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality” in Cyprus. The authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) expressed their dissatisfaction with the resolution, highlighting that “the wording adapted in the resolution is completely detached from the realities on the ground and gives the rest of the world a misleading message.” This article aims to explain the reasons behind the TRNC authorities' perception of the UNSC resolution as detached from reality and misleading within the conceptual framework of trust. Trust is an essential prerequisite for cooperation, forming the foundation of common ground between two negotiating parties. By exploring the emotional aspects of the issue, this article argues that the historical trajectory of events, coupled with the current policies pursued by the Greek Cypriot authorities and the prevailing attitudes among the majority of Greek Cypriots, undeniably convinces Turkish Cypriots that Greek Cypriots would not engage in honest cooperation and would exploit Turkish Cypriots when presented with an opportunity.