Majority Supports Settlement in Cyprus Dispute, CMIRS Poll Reveals

CMIRS Director Mine Yücel highlighted that the Cyprus Problem remains a significant issue for the Turkish Cypriot community, ranking as the second most important concern. She pointed to several factors contributing to the erosion of optimism and confidence among Turkish Cypriots regarding their influence on the Cyprus issue. These factors include the long hiatus in negotiations since the Crans-Montana talks, the contentious 2020 presidential election, changes in leadership, and the failure of UN-led initiatives to yield results.

Yücel noted that the desire for a settlement remains similar to levels observed during the Annan Plan period, with 59.06% of respondents supporting a resolution. However, only 36.94% felt optimistic about the prospect of achieving one. The percentage of those against a settlement stood at 40.94%.

As leaders from both sides engage in informal talks, Yücel stressed the importance of considering the views and concerns of the public in future negotiations. She criticized the secrecy surrounding past negotiation processes and called for a more transparent approach that reflects the community's expectations.

The survey also revealed that in a potential referendum, 54.45% of respondents would vote "yes" to a settlement plan, while 6.07% remained undecided. This undecided group reportedly leans towards a settlement but prefers to see the plan's details before making a final decision. Meanwhile, 39.47% of participants indicated they would vote "no."