Cyprus Flags
  In 2003 Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus were in talks to reunite the island into one nation. A unified nation would need a new flag. The United Nations did a peculiar thing and hosted a contest to design a flag for a united Cyprus. Negotiations broke down after several months so the contest was canceled. My entries are below.
Cyprus Flag: Peace
This flag attempts to maintain some continuity with the existing flag for the Republic of Cyprus, while simultaneously paying homage to the Turkish and Greek origins of its citizens.

The stripes at the bottom are red and blue, to match the prominent colors in the Turkish and Greek flags, respectively. The white olive branch unites these two stripes and symbolizes peace.

The large yellow island is a direct connection to the current flag of the Republic of Cyprus. It is placed above the two stripes, symbolizing Cyprus overcoming its troubles. Using the shape of the island also reinforces the idea that residents of Cyprus are first and foremost Cypriots, regardless of their origins.
Cyprus Flag: Peace
Unity
This flag is an abstract representation of Cyprus’ position in the Mediterranean, as represented by the large star. The two smaller stars represent Greece and Turkey.

The idea of yellow stars on a blue background also invites comparison to the European Union flag.
Cyprus Flag: Peace
This flag symbolizes Cyprus uniting the Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The large yellow island is a direct connection to the current flag of the Republic of Cyprus. It is placed across the divided flag, symbolizing Cyprus overcoming its divided state. Using the shape of the island also reinforces the idea that residents of Cyprus are first and foremost Cypriots, regardless of their origins.
Cyprus Flag: Peace
The inspiration for this flag comes from the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which takes its logo from an ancient coin showing Europa riding on Zeus as a bull. The stars are symbolic of the cultural influences of Greece and Turkey.

From the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: "The logo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a multidimensional symbolism. First of all, it symbolizes the rich culture and civilization of the island that dates back to antiquity. Moreover, it reflects the crucial role that Cyprus is destined to play as a future member of the European Union: as Europa was carried via Cyprus to the Continent that was to assume her name, in the same way Cyprus has to face the challenge of becoming the bridge that will link the European Union with the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East."