Derya BeyatliKaterina Papadopoulou

24 May 2010Mitrovica, Kosovo

• Cyprus 2015 is a research and dialogue initiative implemented by the United Nations/Interpeace Joint Programme Unit and the European Commission Representation in Cyprus

• Bi-communal project

What is Cyprus 2015

Main Purpose

• To contribute towards a creative and constructive social debate for the long-term sustainable future of Cyprus

Objectives

• To provide better informed public debate that relies on objective information

• To contribute to improved trust and awareness between the two communities

Objectives

• To contribute to a better informed policy making process

• To establish more fluid channels of communication between the leadership and the general public

Methodology

• Researchers and research participants (the people) work together to identify how to approach and analyse an issue – consultative process

• PAR is a reflexive process – no real clear cut distinction between research and dialogue

Methodology

• Participatory Action Research

Research Dialogue

Methodology

RESEARCH

• In-depth Interviews

• Focus Groups

• Polls

Methodology

DIALOGUE

• Bi-communal and mono-communal Stakeholder Panels analyse research findings

• Public Events

• Media Coverage

Main Findings SETTLEMENT NON-SETTLEMENT TURKISH CYPRIOTS GREEK CYPRIOTS TURKISH CYPRIOTS GREEK CYPRIOTS

HOPES

Peace and Harmony Peace and Stability Recognition of TRNC Better Solution in the Future

A Reunified NationDe-Militarisation Republic of Cyprus

constitution No Need for ChangeEconomic Prosperity Economic Prosperity Taiwanization Social advancement,

DemocracySocietal Advancement

International support Property and Refugees

Property Issue Identity Crisis

Migrants Better Control of

Sovereign Territory Two States Federation

FEARS

Change and UncertainityThe Federation as a

Racist StateLegalization of the

status quoRecognition, Taiwanization,

Annexation or PartitionDiscord between the

two sides Security and ViabilityPermanent Division of

the island SecurityPossibility of a Conflict Cost of Solution Brain Drain Settlers

Inter-communal relations Coexistence Communal Extinction Relationship with Turkish Cypriots

International Manipulation

A Strange System of Government Complete isolation Construction in the North

Security ImplementationTurkey's EU accession

process Youth DisinterestGovernance Discrimination Stagnant Society

Elections Extremists

Main Findings

• Lack of trust between the communities

• Stakeholders are very willing to build and maintain dialogue

• Mutual understanding of the other side

• Finding a fair compromise is very important

Strengths

• Bringing people together that would not ordinarily be involved with bi-communal activities

• Building mono-communal dialogue at the same time

• Developing a group identity

Challenges

• Suspicions of projects funded by foreigners

• Getting stakeholders on board and keeping them interested

• Finding symmetrical stakeholders

Challenges

• Time commitments

• Getting the stakeholders move beyond their own opinions

• What’s different this time? Scepticism

Challenges

• Time commitments

• Getting the stakeholders move beyond their own opinions

• What’s different this time? Scepticism