The Complexity of Mediation - An Assessment of UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus 1999-2004

Abstract: This Master degree thesis aims to assess the UN-mediation attempts in Cyprus during 1999-2004. Performing a qualitative case study, I employ mediation theory to examine the UN good offices efforts, in order to see if the chosen mediation strategy can explain the failure to solve the dispute. Results show that the timing for mediation was favourable, and the context of the conflict indicated that a mediation effort could be successful. However, the adversaries? lack of motivation at different stages of the process aggravated the UN Secretariat's chances of mediating successfully. Together with hassled negotiations and an occasionally badly chosen mediator strategy, these could be considered the reasons for the failed attempts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem. As a consequence, in simultaneous referenda on 24 April 2004, the Cypriot people voted on the Annan Plan to settle the dispute. The Turkish Cypriots accepted the settlement with 65%, while 76% of the Greek Cypriots rejected the Plan. Still, the United Nations is probably the most apposite mediator in the Cyprus dispute. By adhering to a formulation strategy to mediation in future negotiations, it may be possible to eventually reach an agreement between the disputing parties.