Why is lasting peace yet to materialize in Cyprus half a century later?

Reworked powers were claimed by Turkey in the name of protecting Turkish Cypriot minority rights, especially after enclave displacements during intercommunal violence post-independence in 1960. The invasion received widespread condemnation and dismay; however, most involved parties gained power instead of facing consequences for the coup. Cyprus remains Europe's sole divided state with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey.

Half a century later, people on both sides are seeking answers to past tragedies and solutions for their respective communities' isolation and abnormality resulting from settlements and increasing authoritarianism backed by aid from Ankara. Sema, living in her temporary home with memories of loss, desires understanding about the invasion that killed family members.

Despite the desire for peace, talks have been stagnant since 2017 when negotiations broke down in Switzerland. Turkish Cypriots' leader Ersin Tartar advocates a two-state solution rejected by Greek Cypriots and the EU. The UN's 2004 Annan plan for a loose federation was never implemented due to Greek Cypriot voting against it, leading to current impasses and security issues in the ceasefire line buffer zone.

Sixty years after the UN peacekeeping mission started, concerns are rising about its sustainability amid escalating tensions. Takis Hadjidemetriou stresses the need for lessons learned and bold decisions to move forward based on reality rather than myths or propaganda. Reconcinasation may require facing past truths through a truth commission addressing missing persons' cases and state-sanctioned impunity, paving the way towards closure and unity.