Cyprus

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Development Challenge Other Donors FY 2002 Program Activity Data Sheets Summary Tables Program Summary Strategic Objective Summary USAID Search: Cyprus Previous Years' Activities 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 Last updated: 00     Introduction Cyprus continues to feel the strain of deep political and socioeconomic division between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots which is fueled by inter-ethnic distrust and misunderstanding. The United States continues to support the United Nations Secretary General's efforts to facilitate a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus. Since 1975, Congress has earmarked funds for Cyprus to reduce tensions and promote cooperation between the two communities aimed at reunification of the island. The USAID approach is to focus on increasing and strengthening bicommunal cooperation on initiatives that benefit the whole island and lead to a broader political settlement. Development Challenge GDP per capita on the Greek Cypriot side is approximately $16,400; on the Turkish side, it is around $5,263. Over the years since the events of 1974, USAID has shifted its program emphasis from humanitarian relief to multi-sector development activities structured to engage individuals and organizations from both communities. USAID assistance is designed to increase contact, reduce tensions and improve cooperation between the communities. 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. 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. The Program has fostered cooperation on activities of mutual interest and increased understanding between the two sides, despite an unevenly enforced prohibition against on-island bicommunal meetings by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. It is expected that USAID, in consultation with the State Department, would reconsider development needs in Cyprus in the event of settlement. Other Donors The United States is the principal donor supporting bicommunal activities in Cyprus. A number of European countries, including Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are funding bicommunally-oriented initiatives specifically focused on women, political parties, businessmen, journalists and labor unions. FY 2002 Program USAID requests $15 million in Economic Support Funds (ESF) to continue ongoing programs in FY 2002. These consist of a major grant to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for bicommunal programs and activities of other U.S. Government agencies including the State Department (Cyprus American Scholarship Program implemented by the Cyprus Fulbright Commission), the U.S. Embassy's Bicommunal Support Program; and the U.S. Department of Interior's U.S. Geological Survey (bicommunal data base for water management). Activity Data Sheets 233-041  Special Initiatives Country Background Information Resources   CIA Factbook Library of Congress National Geographic Country Maps State Dept. Country Information

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