Cyprus-Forum.com

[insan]

But the military (the 'deep state') apparently seems to still have a pretty strong grip in Turkey's politics. I would expect a huge fuss in Turkey if Erdogan decides to take such a bold step.

If Erdogan thinks to take such a step, he would propose a gradual reduction of military power on both sides of the Island. In the current situation most of the Turkish troops provide border security.

Who can guarantee in case EU veto Turkey in October 3rd, they wouldn't change their stance towards Turkey? Everything is possible? Just for a gesture does it worth to risk the security of North.

Turkey don't and should not withdraw her troops unilaterally. If you want Turkey to withdraw a portion of her troops, prepare yourself to reduce the number of Greek and GC troops. Then perhaps the treaty of guarantee and alliance would have been restored, eventually.

[boulio]

Erdogan thinks to take such a step, he would propose a gradual reduction of military power on both sides of the Island. In the current situation most of the Turkish troops provide border security.

COME ON INSAN WHO ARE YOU KIDDING,DIDN'T you see what happened in turkey a few days ago with the mass police brutality against protest right when the EU troika has visiting turkey.sabah news claims that it was the deep state that perposly did it to sabotoge the govt and its eu aspirations right in front of the eu troika,erdogan couldn't do a thing,turkey look like a ass in front of the people you should be trying to impress and your telling us erdogan has a say in troop deployment in cyprus?

[insan]

Erdogan thinks to take such a step, he would propose a gradual reduction of military power on both sides of the Island. In the current situation most of the Turkish troops provide border security.

COME ON INSAN WHO ARE YOU KIDDING,DIDN'T you see what happened in turkey a few days ago with the mass police brutality against protest right when the EU troika has visiting turkey.sabah news claims that it was the deep state that perposly did it to sabotoge the govt and its eu aspirations right in front of the eu troika,erdogan couldn't do a thing,turkey look like a ass in front of the people you should be trying to impress and your telling us erdogan has a say in troop deployment in cyprus?

First of all I don't approve any kind of police brutality. However, I see no difference between the brutality of European police against anti-globalism groups and what Turkish police did.

Not to mention that Greek and GC police also are known top the charts and human rights reports because of brutality and ill-treatment.

[boulio]

again insan the minute some critizes turkey you through it in someone elses lap,were not talking about european,greek,or g/c police we are talking about turkish politicians in desciosion making of the armed forces and police and gendermere which seems to be nill.

[insan]

Testing my friend testing... testing to analyze the double standards and hear the voice of potential threats.

[Saint Jimmy]

If Erdogan thinks to take such a step, he would propose a gradual reduction of military power on both sides of the Island. In the current situation most of the Turkish troops provide border security.

Against what? Do you think there is a real threat of the North being attacked under any circumstances?
In my view only a fool would decide on something like that... Begin hostilities with Turkey??? Madness!

Who can guarantee in case EU veto Turkey in October 3rd, they wouldn't change their stance towards Turkey? Everything is possible? Just for a gesture does it worth to risk the security of North.

Well, a veto is not to be expected, anyway. But the point is, even if the EU changes its stance vis-a-vis Turkey's candidature, do you really see a change in the Cyprus problem solution process? As far as the two go, they are not really inter-connected, I think (for anyone else but Greeks and GCs).

Turkey don't and should not withdraw her troops unilaterally. If you want Turkey to withdraw a portion of her troops, prepare yourself to reduce the number of Greek and GC troops. Then perhaps the treaty of guarantee and alliance would have been restored, eventually.

Of course! In fact, a few months ago, a proposal was tabled by Nikos Koutsou (!), to (not just reduce, but) unilaterally withdraw all Greek troops from Cyprus, but apparently no one considered it... Personally, I'm all for unilateral troop withdrawals.

[insan]

Of course! In fact, a few months ago, a proposal was tabled by Nikos Koutsou (!), to (not just reduce, but) unilaterally withdraw all Greek troops from Cyprus, but apparently no one considered it... Personally, I'm all for unilateral troop withdrawals.

I'm really wondering why do you all insist on unilateral troop withdrawal but not bilateral? Which one is more rational?

Well, a veto is not to be expected, anyway. But the point is, even if the EU changes its stance vis-a-vis Turkey's candidature, do you really see a change in the Cyprus problem solution process? As far as the two go, they are not really inter-connected, I think (for anyone else but Greeks and GCs).

This depends upon the balance of powers in EU. At the moment, in my opinion; it stays 55-45 anti-Turk.

[Piratis]

Reducing the number of Turkish troops in Cyprus may be an excellent PR move

Thats what it will be. Reducing troops from lets say 40.000 to 10.000 means absolutely nothing if its not part of something more that will end the occupation.

Turkey now makes this issue sound that is so big for her, and after a while she will come to say that she is reducing the troops from 40.000 to 25.000 and make it sound that is a great compromise. Her allies (UK-US) will of course agree with her.

[insan]

A reduction in Turkish forces in northern Cyprus would be a useful contribution to the peace process. May I suggest the following: a total force of 11,250, comprising
two infantry brigades, a tank brigade and a logistics brigade, with not more than three special forces battalions.

Donyork,

You as a real estate expert might propose something related with your profession. For instance what can be done in real estate field in favour of GCs that may be an excellent PR for Turkish side? What percentage of land and properties can be returned to GC refugees in 9 months? Or would it be better to sell Varosha to foreigners?

[-mikkie2-]

In the current situation most of the Turkish troops provide border security.

Are you kidding me Insan? They are all there for border security? One soldier for every 7 metres of border? Are they that paraoid that they will be 'invaded' by the greeks with their up-to-date military hardware of the 1970's? The UN did the job with 1200 men. So I guess the other 33800 or so troops are there on holiday? Having a party? Smoking hashish? Why doers Turkey need so many troops in Cyprus? McShane keeps asking why...