Interview with Hugh Pope

Cyprus

1. On Cyprus-Throughout history different countries have conquered Cyprus. We see that the land was once owned by the Ancient Greeks, then by the Italians, Ottomans, the British, Turks and currently by Cypriot Greeks and Cypriot Turks. Therefore, which one determines who should own a territory: the people who were chronologically there first (especially in the case of an island like Cyprus that has been occupied by diverse peoples) or the people that is in majority? From your answer we can draw parallels to the State of Israel. Ilhan
2. On Cyprus- Since 1974, the international community recognizes Cyprus as being under the invasion of Turks. No country has recognized Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic, and it seems like no one ever will, at least for a long time. You have stated that “If Turkey and EU could return to full cooperation, which means overcoming the major problem of Cyprus, they would likely find they have a lot more to offer the Middle East together than separately.” Do you think this cooperation is possible considering the deteriorating relationship between the EU and Turkey? Nathan

3. On Cyprus- Which countries who are participating in EU are hiding behind the decision of Cyprus’ right of veto to Turkey and why? Melisa R
4. On Cyprus-You said that Turkey is further asserting itself as a responsible regional power by solving problems in the neighborhood and clearing obstacles to it’s EU Access. Do you think that if Turkey brings forward a resolution that is reasonable for both sides in the Cyprus affair and ends the dispute, it would really make Turkey’s chances of entering the EU more? Kaan H
5. On Cyprus- Turkey’s current minister of EU Affairs and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis stated in his speech in London in February, that it is an option that KKTC might become a part of Turkey in order to maintain peace in the island. A lot of Cypriots reacted against this. Do you think that merger would bring peace or conflict between Cypriots and people from Turkey who live in Cyprus? Do you believe that KKTC will ever become a part of Turkey? Melis
6. On Cyprus- It is clear that Greece and Turkey would (in your words) “both benefit from solving the long and costly Aegean dispute.” There are economic, political, international and many more advantages for both sides. You talk about “a synchronized set of steps to prepare public opinion on both sides.” How do you think that this can be achieved in practical terms? + How much can the political opinion realistically pressure the politicians to come to a solution? Asya & Kaan H

7. On Cyprus- Turkey and Greece have been in negotiations since 2002 to solve the disputes on Cyprus and the Aegean Sea zones. It has been said that these problems will remain because Turkey is resistant to take the issue to International Court of Justice. If Turkey had agreed to take issue to ICJ, how would ICJ have solved the problems or what would ICJ have recommended both parties to do? Why doesn’t Turkey go to ICJ? Erman
8. On Cyprus- Do you think that there is a possibility of Greece applying new maritime jurisdictions and cutting off Turkey’s economic lifeline? Kaan H
9. On Cyprus- Turkey has been praised for her stand during the Arab Spring. She has been trying to negotiate with the governments concerned to solve the crisis and disputes. Given that Turkey’s strength in negotiations and her potential problem solver role in the area, why cannot she be accepted for her standing in the Cyprus issue with Greece? If you were to comment on Turkey’s role so far what would you say in her attitude towards the Cyprus dispute with Greece? Erman

10. On Cyprus- Sweden has been in a conflict with a group of people called Sami in the north of the country for ages, the conflict continues but there has never been an armed conflict. Why hasn’t the conflict in Cyprus reached to any agreement, even though the two sides do not use weapons anymore? Max

On Iran
1. On Iran- On March 14th You have stated on your twitter account that “only 25% of Americans support a possible war with Iran”, moreover recently Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama have met concerning the nuclear program of Iran. You also have stated your concerns on “In Heavy Waters: Iran’s Nuclear Program, the Risk of War and Lessons from Turkey”.So at what point do you think this tension will start to decrease or at what point do you think this tension will burst? In case of any war, what would be the magnitude of the war? Nathan

2. On Iran, a 3 tier question-
a) You said, “The West hopes its tough sanctions will compel Iran to compromise. But it is as likely that Tehran will instead lash out. “ In addition you said “Turkey cannot solve a three-decade old crisis of confidence between Iran and the U.S.” So, how can groups like the ones you work with, the International Crisis Group, convince the U.S. government as well as the Iranian government, to start compromising when we are aware of how obstinate and aggressive their policies have been? What are the key arguments you point out? Asya
b) On Iran- You also said in your paper: ‘’In heavy waters’’ that if the West does not come up with a realistic offer for İran there might be war in the future. How do you think Turkey can contribute to this offer ? Is it due to her geopolitical situation? What do you think is the move that will tick off Iran and convince them, aka endanger its national interests? Kaan H
c) On Iran- While there are a lot of exchange of threats between Iran and Western countries, Turkey is on a compromising level with Iran. How does this effect Turkey’s relationship with Western countries? Melis

3. On Iran- The head of the National Iranian Oil Company threatened the Western countries saying ““Undoubtedly, if the hostile actions of certain European countries continue, oil exports to these countries will be stopped.” The oil that Iran exports, is very important to Italy, Spain and Greece but not very important to England and Germany. Do you think that in a case of war between Western countries and Iran, will Italy, Spain and Greece be able to risk the oil they are getting from Iran to support other Western countries? How do you think İran’s possible ban on oil for France and Britain would shift the Alliances of the west? Melis +Kaan H

4. On Iran- A March 6 news by Reuters said: “In March 2012, Iran reversed its previous position and gave permission to inspect a site at Parchin, a place where the IAEA claims high-explosives research pertinent to nuclear weapons has taken place.” What do you think was the insight that caused Iran to give such a decision after years of resistance to disclose their research fields to other countries? Güvenç
5. On Iran- Iran has been given sanctions as to her nuclear program and has been given warnings by USA because it has been a threat to countries, the immediate one being Israel. Instead of using sanctions and warnings to Iran, do you think there are alternative but realistic ways to solve this conflict in a more diplomatic way? Erman

6. On Syria- How do you think the international community will resolve the crisis in Syria? Considering that many support a military intervention, while Iran, China also Russia fully support Essad, while at the same time Netanyahu seeks to militarily engage with Iran, how do you think the Syrian issue will be tackled? Nathan
7. On Iran- There is a lot of exchange of threats between Iran and Western countries whereas Turkey is on a compromising level with Iran. How does this effect Turkey’s relationship with Western countries? Melis

”You can see the answers to the questions above by watching the videos below. They are all in the order of the questions. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed this amazing journalist and author.”