A solution to the decades-old Cyprus problem will not only reunite the divided island, but also bring at least 1.8 billion euro every year in new business with Turkey and other opportunities, according to an academic report released on Thursday.
The report, entitled "The day after: Commercial opportunities following a solution to the Cyprus problem," was based on a research sponsored by the International Peace Research Institute in Norway.
A group of Greek and Turkish Cypriot researchers conducted the survey. According to their calculations, the reunification of Cyprus would bring each Cypriot family a dividend of 5,500 euro per year in the first seven years.
Such a solution will especially bring benefits for tourism, construction, university education sectors, finance and legal service and trade companies. Trade in goods and services with Turkey is expected to boom.
"A just settlement will mean increased security for the people of Cyprus, greater stability for the region, increase in trade and provision of services, the creation of conditions that will allow culture and art to flourish, and the emergence of Cyprus as a model of peaceful coexistence in a world riven by division," said Michael Moller, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Cyprus.
He added that the research "makes an extremely valuable contribution to discussion about the future of the island."
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when the Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of Cyprus following a coup by a group of Greek officers, who pushed for a quick union with Greece.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway from Cyprus and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is only recognized by Turkey.
Ankara does not recognize the government of Cyprus Republic, which only controls the Greek Cypriot south. The isolated north has to trade with other parts of the world through Turkey, with the economy depending heavily on financial aids from Ankara.
Expectations seem very high recently as both the newly elected Greek Cypriot president and Turkish Cypriot leader have agreed to meet very soon to revive the stalled reunification process.
Source:Xinhua
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