Just like internationally recognized Bosnia, Cyprus will have to choose which flag if reintegration is to move ahead. One of our Diplomatically Incorrect followers and Face Book fans asked why I used the picture of “Greek Cyprus” when posting the following clip on “Cyprus Reintegration” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/cyprus-reintegration/25848 At first blush, the question might have struck most as picky, but having gone through a similar experience as Bosnia & Herzegovina’s (BiH) UN Ambassador and Foreign Minister I recognize that these are the issues that could trip up the process toward reintegration as a whole or in the alternative be the key card in a game of diplomatic poker. Flag as Symbol of Continuity or Legitimacy Rather than Religion or Ethnicity The flag of the Republic of Bosnia & Herzegovina had no linkage to “Muslims.” In fact, it was based upon the coat of arms of the medieval kingdom of Bosnia & Herzegovina, a Christian, (“Bogumilj” or both) monarchy. However, some Serbs came to see the flag as representative of a Republic that they did not embrace and state which they tried to dismember, even if many Serbs as well as Catholics (Croats), Jews and others fought under that same flag to defend Bosnia & Herzegovina. Of course, some would use any rationale as pretext to undermine the continuity and legitimacy of the country they tried to destroy. The current flag of internationally recognized Cyprus also has no religious/ethnic symbol. It was originally adopted in 1960, and symbolism was to represent the two major communities of the Island, Greek and Turkish. Nonetheless, Turkish Cypriots have come to see the flag as more symbolic of efforts at Greek domination – (allegedly resulting in an effort at Greek junta led coup, efforts to merge with Greece and finally Turkey’s interventionist invasion). It is understandable that some may now see the Cyprus flag as linked to a failed rather than successful effort at co-existence in Cyprus prior to 1974. Cyprus to Adopt New Flag under “Annan Plan”? The so called “Annan plan” (named after former Secretary General Kofi Annan) for resolving the Cyprus divide proposed a new flag – pictured with this report. After leaderships of both communities accepted the plan, in 2004 Greek Cypriots voted it down while Turkish Cypriots voted “yes.” Greek Cypriots perhaps can bear responsibility for the failure of the last reunification initiative, nonetheless it is Nicosia (Greek Cypriot controlled capital) that carries almost all international recognition (except primarily for Turkey). The United Nations, the European Union, International Court of Justice etc – all recognize only one flag for Cyprus. Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Options including “Cyprus” Precedent: Ironically, as Foreign Minister of BiH, I advocated a similar position for the internationally recognized Republic of Bosnia & Herzegovina as now enjoyed by the Nicosia led government. Of course many people could not see beyond the religious affiliation - the Bosniak led Government to be somehow more analogous to Turkish Cypriots. However, on a legal and political level, the position of Sarajevo in 1995 and entering the Dayton talks was much more similar to that of Nicosia. Further, the Sarajevo Government maintained its multi-ethnic commitment and even composition at least at some real substantive level. I believed that most of us (in the Sarajevo defense) were standing on behalf a country rather than ethnic/religious group which appears to be almost the exclusive dividing factor in Cyprus. On the other hand, I did recognize an effort by some presumed “mediators” to redefine the conflict and representative role of the “conflicting parties” into purely ethnic terms. It is my opinion that such overt and covert efforts were unjust and in long term destructive to BiH, as evidenced by todays still highly unsettled situation and largely failure at reintegration. (I will follow up on this analysis and Cyprus-Bosnia & Herzegovina comparison in Part 2 of this analysis). The current situation in Cyprus, unlike Bosnia & Herzegovina in 1995, is that the Nicosia (the Greek Cyprus led Government) can dictate not just flag, but most all elements of diplomatic/international policy for the whole Island. Even if Nicosia has no control on the ground north of the delineation line dividing the Island, it has been able to advance the state into the European Union as well as negotiate and enter into treaties for the state as a whole. Form truly does have more substance than substance in international diplomacy, at least sometime. Thus, the flag of Cyprus that is flown in NY at the United Nations HQ is the flag chosen by Nicosia. When Nicosia decides to share that choice, then the flag might and perhaps most likely will be different. In Part 2 of this article/blog I will give my views why Sarajevo should have secured the same position in 1995 as Nicosia has now enjoyed for over 3 decades. In 1998, I presided over the last time that the “old fleur de-lis” flag of Bosnia & Herzegovina flew in any diplomatic forum. It was a heartrending moment, but there was hope that a new flag would translate into a fresh start for BiH and its reintegration . Unfortunately, the optimism has proven not warranted. The old fleur de-lis flag though has neither been forgotten nor lost as long as Bosnia & Herzegovina remains divided. The Cyprus division persists even though it pre-dates the conflict in Bosnia by two decades. Cypriots, from both communities, will perhaps gain some insight from the “processes” defining BiH’s efforts at reintegration’s and debates over flags. On the other hand, it is unfortunate that we in Sarajevo in 1995 did not impress upon the mediators and our adversaries the assets now so jealously guarded and flag of the internationally recognized Cyprus Government in Nicosia. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – DiplomaticallyX More Reports at www.diplomaticallyincorrect.org including: “Cyprus Reintegration” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/cyprus-reintegration/25848 “Cyprus-New Impetus” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/cyprus-new-impetus/24324