Cyprus-Forum.com

[kalahari]

Zan, I have just read your response. It answers my question in many ways. I did not set to insult your principles, and I apologise I have done so. That goes for all other contributors as well.

[zan]

Halil, you make a very good point.

I have made a decision not to cross the border. Am I right in this decision or not? Please tell me what you think.

Why did I make this decision? I am completely opposed to the presence of the Turks in Northern Cyprus. I cannot see any good reason for their presence. I also find the apathy of the caretaker nations (and come to that the EU and UN) repugnant in this matter.

I feel that to cross the border and to trade with the people in the north would be hypocritical of me. Although I have to admit my mind is slowly changing on this matter. To make matters worse in this personal struggle of mine, I have visited Turkey on occasions and found the native Turkish to be some of the nicest people it has ever been my good fortune to meet. I always tell my Greek Cypriot friends this too. I am nothing if not honest. I resolve this dilemma in my mind by placing the blame for the continued presence of the Turkish troops at the feet of the Denktash regime and the Turkish generals.

I guess what I'm saying is that I feel it would be treacherous of me to go into the North. And perhaps that's the reason why Iceman won't go back to Limassol and Zan won't go back to Cyprus.

Is my feeling of treachery – to my beliefs and my friends – a good enough reason? What are your thoughts?

I know this was aimed at Halil and I am sure he will answer you but allow me to pick up on some points and to answer your post to me after this one.

Firstly...Thank you for the apology.

Secondly......You really need to read into the Cyprob more than just the Greek propaganda if you don't understand why Turkey is on the island.

Thirdly...I am confused about why you think I "Do not return to Cyprus". Are you talking about the TRNC or "RoC". Are you talking about permanently or holidays.

I have already explained about why I cannot move back permanently just yet but every time I am asked that question it makes me resent the reason why I can't more and more. It makes me resent the fact that I have had to set up a life else where (Although I love living in the UK)because I was chased out of my country by EOKA thugs and the GC system and I feel more anger towards them every time.

As for holidays...I have been there before and will be next summer again. My tickets are already booked. I will not set foot in the "RoC" though. Not because of the regular people but because of the administration. I already know what the normal people are like...I grew up with them and I still have a very very good friend in one.

[kalahari]

Zan, my friend, I am absolutely positive that you are right in saying that I need to read up on the Cyprob more – I make it my duty to do so, as I think to make my home here without a sound understanding of the background would be intensely insulting to the people I live with. I am also doing my best to learn Greek, and I fully intend to go back to Turkey as well, as I love it there.

I guess just the process of asking this question, and the following debate, has helped me to realise why Turkish speaking Cypriots like yourself do not "come home". As I said at the onset, please forgive my innocence.

[zan]

Zan, my friend, I am absolutely positive that you are right in saying that I need to read up on the Cyprob more – I make it my duty to do so, as I think to make my home here without a sound understanding of the background would be intensely insulting to the people I live with. I am also doing my best to learn Greek, and I fully intend to go back to Turkey as well, as I love it there.

I guess just the process of asking this question, and the following debate, has helped me to realise why Turkish speaking Cypriots like yourself do not "come home". As I said at the onset, please forgive my innocence.

Thank you for the understanding Kalahari and for allowing me to vent off a bit more steam.

[iceman]

Halil, you make a very good point.

I have made a decision not to cross the border. Am I right in this decision or not? Please tell me what you think.

Why did I make this decision? I am completely opposed to the presence of the Turks in Northern Cyprus. I cannot see any good reason for their presence. I also find the apathy of the caretaker nations (and come to that the EU and UN) repugnant in this matter.

I feel that to cross the border and to trade with the people in the north would be hypocritical of me. Although I have to admit my mind is slowly changing on this matter. To make matters worse in this personal struggle of mine, I have visited Turkey on occasions and found the native Turkish to be some of the nicest people it has ever been my good fortune to meet. I always tell my Greek Cypriot friends this too. I am nothing if not honest. I resolve this dilemma in my mind by placing the blame for the continued presence of the Turkish troops at the feet of the Denktash regime and the Turkish generals.

I guess what I'm saying is that I feel it would be treacherous of me to go into the North. And perhaps that's the reason why Iceman won't go back to Limassol and Zan won't go back to Cyprus.

Is my feeling of treachery – to my beliefs and my friends – a good enough reason? What are your thoughts?

kalahari
I dont know about Zan but i have no problem visiting south,in fact i cross the checkpoint at least 2-3 times a week...It is for living that i have no intention of moving there under the present conditions..
Halil only suggested you visit the north to see things for yourself instead of listening to propaganda from GC's..
Surely visiting is not treachery,plenty of GC's visit themselves..

[kalahari]

Iceman, these GCs who visit the north – do they do it simply out of curiosity? Because that is the only reason I would be going there. I have no roots there, no long lost family and friends. Or are you telling me that many GCs simply go north over the "border" because it's a nice day out? I'm genuinely interested to know.

[StuartN]

Plenty of coaches and GC cars vısıt the North every day - and ıt IS a nıce day out - lots to see ın Kyrenıa and the trıp across the mountaıns ıs sımply terrıfıc.

[iceman]

Iceman, these GCs who visit the north – do they do it simply out of curiosity? Because that is the only reason I would be going there. I have no roots there, no long lost family and friends. Or are you telling me that many GCs simply go north over the "border" because it's a nice day out? I'm genuinely interested to know.

they come for all sorts of reasons,many come to visit their homes or see north part of Cyprus they couldn't visit before (these are usually Cypriots living abroad)
Before you say anything..the gamblers only come in the evenings,around midnight..
There are also many who come for day out,specially on national holiday's..

[kalahari]

Anybody fancy coming over there with me and a few hundred gallons of paint stripper...

[Piratis]

Most of the GCs that regularly visit the occupied areas for a "nice day out" are people of the underworld. The casinos over there make a fortune out of those fools.

Those that wanted to see their homes they visited once and never did again because it was too depressive for them.