observer wrote:Back in 2004, Papadopoulos urged GCs not to vote for the Annan Plan, but to wait for the European Solution. He has never told anyone what the European Solution was, so here is my European Solution, as simple as it is radical.
EU countries recognize the TRNC (followed by the rest of the world) and allow it to enter the EU.
Firstly, it solves the GC demand of ‘right of return’. Any EU citizen will be allowed to live and work in the TRNC. They will be allowed to vote in EU elections and local elections, but not national elections, which will calm TC fears of being ruled by GCs. Of course, after 30+ years, it is impractical for all to return to their former homes. New roads and buildings now exist, and many may not want to return. In these cases the EU can set up a tribunal to make binding decisions on compensation or land exchange.
Secondly, it solves the demand of Turkish soldiers leaving the Island. In reality, most soldiers would probably leave. In any case, it ceases to be a RoC problem, it becomes the responsibility of the TRNC government. British and American soldiers are in Germany without anyone feeling that that German national integrity is harmed.
Thirdly, it solves the problem of ‘settlers’. Those who have TRNC citizenship now will become EU citizens, those who are not will be ‘aliens’, with the same limited rights as Turkish citizens in any other EU country.
There will still be other areas that need resolution, for example the borders, but TCs showed themselves willing to accept border adjustments in 2004 and would probably be willing to do so again. There would need to be a transitory period to adjust TC laws and institutions to EU standards, and during this period it should be acceptable to put a freeze on new building, grants of citizenship etc.
For a generation the UN has tried to broker a deal without success. Poll after poll show that the majority of TCs and GCs do not want each other as neighbours or marriage partners. As it seems that we will never get an agreement, why not accept that fact, and have friendly international relations rather than hostile or non-existent ones, and let the relationship grow stronger through the mutual interests of living next to each other on the same island.
Little could have been worse than French-German relationships in 1945, and those between many other EU countries, but mutual interests have led to far greater cooperation than any number of individual, bitterly-fought over treaties.
I like it more or less.
Clearly these two peoples cannot sit at a table and negotiate a settlement (because they dont want) and it's clear the current situation is pretty much how it is going to stay.
With a few minor adjustments as proposed above, this will be the most workable and mutually benefical outcome for both sides.
If the turk-cypriots are willing to reduce their total percentage of land under their control to something like 25-26%, and give up any claims to land in south cyprus, then the greek cypriots should be able to recognise the TRNC as a separate and independent country..
I know, i know I can see the people slamming on their keyboards now, claiming ethnic cleansing, this and that, do you know what happened in 1963, 1974, etc, etc....but hey Cyprus had a chance to negotiate a settlement and try to re-unify but clearly the will just doesnt exist for this happen
A practical and realistic proposal listed above is the most sensible
To the turk cypriots....you will be giving up a certain percentage of land in the TRNC and also your land holdings in south cyprus...but if you still hold land in the 25-26% range you are still doing well...and on the plus side you are a recognised country
to the greek cypriots...you reclaim some land from TRNC and also the turk-cypriot land in south cyprus. i haven't done the maths but a large percentage of the greek cypriot refugee would either return to lands given back, or be given the turk-cypriot land in the south as compensation. Think about it...the turks owned about 15-18% of cyprus in 1974. Under the above they would have 25-26%, an increase of approx. 10%.
Also the greek cypriots, no matter what is said, we (i am gc desendant) would never share power with the turks. it just wouldnt happen.
let us go our separate ways, make the best out of this ridiculous situation, and get on with our lives
