A Phantom Space for Making Friends...and Enemies?: Cyprus's Green Lin

In this paper, I argue that the Green Line or Buffer Zone in Cyprus has been functioning as a de facto transitional justice mechanism since it was opened in the early 2000s. Specifically, I argue that the Buffer Zone is acting as a quasi-commemorative space (but without commemorating any particular narrative) by allowing space for the challenging of official narratives (which I define as a transitional justice act). This argument is supported by the many transitional justice initiatives and the increase in bicommunal dialogue and bicommunal activities that are a direct result of the opening of the Buffer Zone. I also discuss the survey I conducted of Cypriots and residents of Cyprus regarding their views on the Buffer Zone and the bicommunal movement. I assume that positive views towards the Buffer Zone and/or the bicommunal movement indicate participation in and approval of the two acting as catalysts for reconciliation between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. While the survey results are mixed, there is a clear majority in favor of the bicommunal movement. Therefore, I conclude that while the Buffer Zone is acting as a de facto transitional justice mechanism, which may lead to political and legal reform, the discourse surrounding the Buffer Zone is varied. This varied discourse indicates that Cyprus is in an ongoing transition. Furthermore, I argue that the Buffer Zone's functioning as a transitional justice mechanism has implications to the fields of transitional justice and conflict resolution, which may revolutionize the relationship between transitional justice, conflict resolution, and the rule of law.