The Green Line, Cyprus : a Space of Exception or an Exceptional Space?
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2013-01-11
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en
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Abstract
This study explores how the actors involved in the Cyprus Problem perceived the
Green Line in 1963, 1974, 2004, and 2012. In addition, it addresses if, why, and how these
perceptions changed over time. In contrast to the history of the Cyprus Problem, the actors’
notions and ideas concerning the division line between the Cypriot communities have not
been discussed in academia until this point.
To summarize the findings of this study, it can be stated that the decades of conflict
without a settlement have turned the Green Line from a cease-fire line between Greek and
Turkish Cypriots into an entity that reaches beyond Agamben’s space of exception. Despite
contradicting opinions between, as well as within the communities, concerning what the
Green Line is, the perpetuation of the conflict has turned the exceptional status of the
demarcation line into the rule. The demarcation line has been actively and continuously
wanted (UK, US, Turkey), created (Turkey, TRNC passport control), and maintained (EU
regulations, the UN, and the rejection of the Annan Plan) ever since its establishment.
This thesis suggests that (a) the establishment of a Truth Committee; and (b) the
creation of a curriculum, which focusses on the reconciliation of the conflicting parties, could
lead to more moderate ideas and perceptions of the younger generations. Implementing these
suggestions could therefore be beneficial to the peace process on the island.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen