Cyprus-Forum.com

[donyork]

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. The force should be equipped with not more than 154 main battle tanks, 139 armoured reconnaissance vehicles, 43 AIFVs and 294 APCs.

[Piratis]

A reduction in Turkish forces in northern Cyprus would be a useful contribution to the peace process.

Personally I don't see how this will be useful for the peace process. Turkey is just 40 miles away, they can bring back as much troops as they want at any time.

What we care about is the end of occupation, and thats the only thing that will bring peace. If the occupation is done by 50000 troops or 5000 troops it makes absolutely no difference.

[donyork]

you cannot have it both ways If Turkey is only 40 miles away, then what precisely do you achieve by total removal — since they can be back any time on your own reckoning. Why, indeed, on that basis, do they have any troops there at all.

[Piratis]

Why, indeed, on that basis, do they have any troops there at all.

for their own strategic purposes and to control northern Cyprus directly. Why do you think they keep the troops? Because they are afraid of half a million GCs?

For us what matters is the end of occupation which means Turkey respecting the sovereignty of Cyprus (which is what numerous UN resolutions call for) which includes the removal of the Turkish troops but is not just that.

[Agios Amvrosios]

Are you saying that you propose that the balance of Turkish troops will continue to remain indefinitely?

If you are just drop some nuclear weapons on us its easier. You just have to press one button.

[donyork]

Surely not, under the Annan Plan they were to be reduced to a nominal force, but GCs rejected that. I am simply proposing that pending a solution it would be good PR and a useful gesture if the Turkish reduced their presence to the figures I have quoted. There is no point in demanding all or nothing, you have to take this step by step, and so this seems to be a confidence building measure, although the minimum I think which would be achievable.

[Piratis]

you have to take this step by step

If this is a step, e.g. reducing it now first step, ending the occupation X step, then ok. But by itself such move means nothing.

It is like I keep your head 10 meters under the water and then I tell you I will keep it just 5 meters, or just one meter. Or even tell you that I will let you out of the water, but if you try to breath I will kill you. Will it make any difference for you?

[boulio]

i think the g/c want to see the treaty of guranteship in its current form go away,they want a sovergn state on the whole island,with all the peoples of cyprus participating,since 1977 yes as a bi zonal bi communal federation.they dont want greek,british,turkish troops stationed on the island or those countries to invade at a dimes notice.this is 2005 not 1965 the world has changed so should cyprus.

[insan]

i think the g/c want to see the treaty of guranteship in its current form go away,they want a sovergn state on the whole island,with all the peoples of cyprus participating,since 1977 yes as a bi zonal bi communal federation.they dont want greek,british,turkish troops stationed on the island or those countries to invade at a dimes notice.this is 2005 not 1965 the world has changed so should cyprus.

World has changed, the mentality of Cypriots changed... So, the ones which didn't change only the guarantors? What about Grey Wolves and Chrissy Augi and their financial, political extensions? What about self-interest groups that ready to do almost anything you imagine, for the money?

[Saint Jimmy]

I think it's not as simple as that, don...
Reducing the number of Turkish troops in Cyprus may be an excellent PR move, but the Turkish military is not a PR agency. I'm pretty sure the Erdogan government wouldn't have a problem with doing that, seeing as how they feel that the status quo in Cyprus isn't worth its price for them (their reasoning is a different issue; but even if their reasons are just showing up as the 'good guys', it makes all the more sense!).
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.