Cyprus-Forum.com

[-mikkie2-]

I translated this article from Politis newspaper today and is excerpts of an interview of Dennis McShane on Turkish TV.
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British Views

The normalisation of her relations with the Republic of Cyprus, if indeed she wants to be included in the EU, recommended in Turkey the undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of Britain responsible for Europe. Dennis McShane, who was in Ankara as a member of the Community troika, stressed in his interview on television channel NTV, "Firstly exists the sovereign Republic of Cyprus, that is represented in the UN and is a member of the EU. This should be recognized and become acceptable. Secondly, it is reality that the Greek side said no to the Annan Plan. But what is asked however is which steps we need to move forwards ". The British undersecretary said that "the signing of the protocol might not mean recognition, but it will be a step forward".

Answering a question if the Turkish side has given some timetable of signature of the Protocol, McShane said that "it should it is signed as soon as possible. The EU is not a train that you can wait up to the last moment in order to get a cheap ticket ". Asked for the more general course of the Cyprus question, McShane said "if I were Harry Potter I would use my magic wand in order to resolve the problem" and he stressed that "in the past unfortunately the Turkish side prevented the solution. Specifically, a particular individual, was erected as a mountain", he said photographing Rauf Denktas. "Now", he added, "the Greek side made use of their democratic right and prevented the solution". According to McShane, "Turkey should abandon her old sensitivities". Characteristically, the British minister did wonder "is there a need for so many Turkish soldiers in Cyprus"?

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I think that McShane seems to have a free role as to what to say regarding Cyprus compared to what Jack Straw or Tony Blair might say. There does seem to be an underlying British policy that is not quite clear. Are they playing both sides?

[insan]

"in the past unfortunately the Turkish side prevented the solution. Specifically, a particular individual, was erected as a mountain",

In which past? 1964? 1967-74? 1985? 1993? When did Turkish side prevent the solution? Or Mr. Shane considers the solution as a Greek Cypriot state with a "protected" TC minority?

[-mikkie2-]

Insan,

He means from 1974 onwards. Are you denying that Turkey has been preventing the solution in Cyprus? What happenend in Copenhagen in 2002 when the Turkish side walked away from the Hague? The one time Turkey had a real opportunity to 'nail' this problem before Cyprus joined the EU.

[insan]

Insan,

He means from 1974 onwards. Are you denying that Turkey has been preventing the solution in Cyprus? What happenend in Copenhagen in 2002 when the Turkish side walked away from the Hague? The one time Turkey had a real opportunity to 'nail' this problem before Cyprus joined the EU.

When did GC side acknowledged "political equality" of TC community from 1974 onwards?

It is true. Turkish side prevented the "solution" proposals which seemingly protected the "political equality" and all other rights of TC community.

[-mikkie2-]

There is the Turkish reality and the 'rest of the world' reality.

Is the rest of the world going to give in to Turkish reality or will Turkey give in to the 'rest of the world' reality?

That is the essense of what McShane is saying. If you don't like what he said perhaps you need to bring it up with him. I am merely the messenger that translated the article!

You live in Turkey. Didn't you see this interview on NTV?

[insan]

If Mr Shane represents the rest of the world, ok. I'm sorry. I didn't know that he represents the rest of the world.

[insan]

I think that McShane seems to have a free role as to what to say regarding Cyprus compared to what Jack Straw or Tony Blair might say. There does seem to be an underlying British policy that is not quite clear. Are they playing both sides?

Be sure of that. "Get the balance right", strategy. If you enlarge the frame to whole east mediterennean to middle-east; you'll also see the realities of the world.

[Piratis]

When did GC side acknowledged "political equality" of TC community from 1974 onwards?

The only thing we have to acknowledge is your rights according to the 1960 constitution, and we do recognize those. Anything beyond that is your legally baseless demands, and such demands give you absolutely no right to violate international law, human rights and disobey the UN resolutions.

Therefore, since the Turkish side is the only side that does not accept what is legal, it is the one and only obstacle for the solution.

If you want to discuss something different than the 1960 agreements, we are willing to do it, but you can not say that is your right to continue the violations of our human rights and international law until we accept the kind of solution that you want.

If we can not agree on something other than the 1960 agreements, then the only legal thing we are left with is the 1960 agreements, and the ones that prohibit the implementation of those agreements are the ones that are at fault and nobody else.

So if you want something different from 1960, then you better make the compromises that are needed so we will agree. Because if we don't, you either have to accept the 1960 agreements or remain illegal. There is no third way.

[brother]

I think the Brits are playing double sided and always seem to say what one side wants to hear hence my advise is "hear a lot and believe a little"
The brits are only interested in their own benefits and i do not believe for one secound that they give a rats arse about the cypriot people.