Activity Data Sheet

PROGRAM: Cyprus
TITLE & NUMBER: Special Initiatives, 233-041
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $14,948,000 ESF
PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $15,000,000 ESF
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1975 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Indefinite. An annual earmark provides the funding for this ongoing program.

Summary: The purpose of this program is to promote activities that encourage tolerance and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. These relationships and activities are expected to: 1) strengthen each side's ability to compromise on a just and lasting settlement; 2) provide opportunities for contacts to increase the number of stakeholders in a solution; and, 3) promote tolerance and mutual understanding in support of a peaceful settlement. It is consistent with the Congressional earmark for Cyprus. The FY 2001 program was notified in CN#156 and expired on March 23, 2001.

Program Categories are primarily Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. In order to promote reconciliation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, the program funds agriculture, education, participant training, civil society/ NGO strengthening, information technology, education, communication, and telecommunications. Other activities involve public infrastructure, environmental management, public health, urban renewal, historic restoration and preservation.

Key Results: Results are subject to an unevenly enforced prohibition against on-island bicommunal meetings by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The principal results for which near term progress is expected include continued significant level of contacts and cooperation on activities such as the expansion and repair of the shared Nicosia sewerage system, the restoration of historical sites such as the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and Apostolos Andreas Monastery and the Venetian Wall around Nicosia, the completion of a seismic risk study for greater Nicosia, and broadcast of a children's television program (commencing Fall 2001). Progress is also expected in a range of shorter, bicommunal workshops and seminars, as well as in the conduct of scholarships and short-term training.

Performance and Prospects: The Program has fostered cooperation on activities of mutual interest and increased understanding of the respective two sides. The UNDP grant which implements the bicommunal program was initiated only in 1998, when the U.N. High Commission for Refugees ceased concluded its role as implementing agent for this program. In 2001, USAID plans to amend the grant to UNDP to extend the program through 2004 and to add approximately $30 million in funding. The Bicommunal Support Program will receive $1.75 million for 2001 activities and additional funding in 2002, as will the Cyprus American Scholarship Program, which will receive up to $4.35 million in FY 2001.

Beneficiaries: The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus will benefit from improved relations.

Possible Adjustments to Plans: The program is designed to be open to targets of opportunity to support initiatives leading to settlement. The need for and scope of the program will be reviewed in the event of a settlement.

Other Donor Programs: Although a number of the European countries, including Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic currently have specific initiatives focusing on women, political parties, businessmen, journalists and labor unions, the United States is the principal donor supporting bicommunal activities in Cyprus. There is no other donor with such a multi-dimensional approach to supporting bicommunal cooperation.

Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID implements this program through a major grant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); other U.S. Government agencies including the Department of State (Cyprus American Scholarship Program implemented by the Cyprus Fulbright Commission, and the U.S. Embassy's Bicommunal Support Program); the U.S. Department of the Interior's U.S. Geological Survey (bicommunal data base for water management); and select contracts.

U.S. Financing

(In thousands of dollars)