Nicosia: A solution to the Cyprus problem would not only be ‘a tremendous benefit to the well-being of the people’ of the country, but would also lead to ‘a tremendous economic boost’, American economist Jeffrey Sachs said on Wednesday, in his keynote speech – via online participation – at AKEL party’s fourth economic forum, held in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Sachs also expressed hope that the recent Turkish Cypriot leadership change would mean a prospect for a solution to the Cyprus issue. He also referred to Cyprus’ role in leading the Eastern Mediterranean region to a green, sustainable future. He remarked that Europe is currently led by ‘war mongers’, and that Cyprus ‘pays a price for this’.
Sachs, who is also a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate for the UNSG, emphasized the need for the Eastern Mediterranean region to convert to renewable energy along with the whole world and set aside plans for more natural gas extraction. He criticized the wars and conflicts as ‘a profound diversion’ from the environmental crisis, stressing that peace would benefit Cyprus by alleviating many regional conflict consequences.
He highlighted the ongoing division of Cyprus, describing it as a ‘beautiful island’ suffering significant economic costs due to the lack of a political solution. Sachs discussed the impact of strained relations with Russia on tourism, finance, and business due to the war in Ukraine. He also mentioned the detrimental effects of the conflict in Israel and Gaza on the region.
Sachs criticized European leaders, accusing them of exacerbating the crisis through their stance on the war in Ukraine, which he claims could destroy Europe’s financial reputation. He named various European leaders as ‘war mongers’ and argued that Cyprus suffers because of this. Sachs dismissed fears of Russian aggression towards Europe as ‘fantasy land’, attributing the Ukraine conflict to NATO’s eastward expansion.
He advocated for an end to the wars, suggesting that peace would allow Cyprus to fulfill its potential as a bridge between the Middle East and Russia, enhancing business development, tourism, and green energy initiatives. Sachs expressed optimism that the leadership change in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus could lead to a bi-national solution, benefiting the economy and well-being of its people.
Sachs emphasized the long-term environmental crisis overshadowed by current conflicts, noting the Eastern Mediterranean’s vulnerability to climate change. He has collaborated with Cypriot institutions for two decades to promote resilience and renewable energy adoption. He criticized the focus on Mediterranean gas extraction, urging a shift to renewable energy.
He concluded by expressing hope for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, the reunification of Cyprus, and regional cooperation on sustainability. Sachs criticized Europe’s militarization and alignment with the United States, urging strategic autonomy and a focus on a green, digital, and peaceful union.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.