Will the Turkish and Greek Cypriots ever reach an Agreement?
By Ismail Veli…….
I have tried my hardest to avoid any discussion or posts relating to the Cyprus problem of late. My article 4 years ago on the tragic loss of human life due to the conflict has again reminded me that somehow the losses of the past have failed to convince anyone that a solution (regardless of what form it takes) is essential (click here).
The agreed basic principle is a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. Some prefer a two state solution, others wish for a return to pre 1974 conditions. Forget what Turkey, Greece, EU, UK or the UN wants, we all know there are vested interests based on geo-political and strategic reasons. The question in my mind is constantly ”WHAT DO THE CYPRIOTS REALLY WANT’‘? My opinion – and this is of course mine – is the Cypriots all want an agreement, BUT and it’s a big BUT, they really don’t want to make any compromises that can bring about this elusive goal. Sure they argue about ”give and take, compromise, sacrifice for the future etc etc”. The reality is they seem far too entrenched in their attitude that it’s always ”the other side’s fault, foreign interference etc etc”, It’s never our fault.
Elections, rhetoric and above all a lack of courage lie beneath this lack of progress. Many politicians look for excuses to avoid an agreement that may make them a target of indignation and accusations of ”selling us out”, This approach is common on both sides. Partisan politics, and an unspoken reality that both sides may be cosy with the status quo is rarely acknowledged. They lack the courage and fortitude to take bold decisions to settle the never ending saga that has become cancerous.
The latest negotiations between the two leaders Akinci and Anastasiades seems to have reached a dead end. The old habit of resorting to the blame game, while trying to shift focus of their own failings is a well rehearsed show that has passed its sell by date.
The Cyprus Mail’s recent report that the UN is seriously considering leaving, or at best drastically down-scaling its commitment on the island is not a new threat, but let’s make no mistake, the world is in turmoil. The UN is stretched to the limit, millions are being made homeless and the loss of life as a result is staggering. The major powers and the UN see Cyprus as a pain in the neck, and a dispute between two spoilt brats who simply cannot, or will not give up the decades of enmity, propaganda or make the necessary compromises to finally settle their differences.
One of these days all Cypriots regardless of their ethnicity will finally wake up and realise that the universe does not revolve around the Cyprus problem. The time will come when all sides have to decide whether they want a negotiated settlement or one forced by others. That time is nearing, The consequences will not be to the liking of many, but who the hell cares? It’s time to PUT UP OR SHUT UP!
The following remarks quoting a UN source published in the Cyprus Mail in an article by Elias Hazou on the 30th of April just about sums it up.
UN pondering Unficyp’s fate!
“The Cyprus mission is the safest in the world. In all honesty, for the Blue Helmets getting posted to Cyprus is almost like a holiday, except for the occasional running about in the buffer zone,” the source commented.
“Meantime real conflicts are raging elsewhere in the world, places where UN troops are really needed.” Click here to read more of this article.
diplomatic tone and get to the point. Trump and some Americans complain the world has taken advantage of them and they are losing jobs to foreign cheap goods.
committed by a refugee on US soil whose country is on the “watch list” i.e. Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Iran.
affic Accidents Association, Dr Mehmet Avci, and is the worst in the whole of Europe. As much as 41.554 accidents were recorded in 2015. this is about one in seven of the total population.
