Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

IHSAN DAGI [email protected] Columnists

We are faced with a situation in Cyprus that we are not at all familiar with. The Turkish side is at ease; they are standing on ground that is morally and politically astute.
The international community has started listening to the Turkish theses far more attentively than before, appreciating that what comes from the Turkish side is a proposal and determination to resolve the problem, not obstinacy that begets deadlock. And the Greek side is panicking for the first time in years.
They are becoming more aware that the initiative is slipping from their hands and are realizing that they are also becoming isolated in their stance against the Turkish side, which favors negotiating and uniting.

Let's give Caesar what is Caesar's. This process began in 2002 with the constructive and conciliatory attitude adopted by the Ankara government upon the disclosure of the first solution package by Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general at the time. The stance of the Turkish Cypriots became clear when about 65 percent of them gave their support to the Annan plan in the referendum on April 24, 2004.

But let's not forget under what sort of conditions this referendum was introduced. Those who considered and then supported the Annan plan were accused of "selling the homeland." Some people even plotted coups in the atmosphere of nationalist fervor, and the hawks of Cyprus had been awaiting news of a coup or a military ultimatum while holding talks in Washington.

Those who had viewed the Turkish Cypriots' determination to resolve the issue as treason up until yesterday will not be happy today to see Turkey holding a trump card on the issue. (Another question arises here: don't they always view the preferences of the Turkish nation as such?) They wanted Cyprus to forever remain a problem that they could use to incite the nationalist feelings of the nation, thereby perpetuating a militarist administration in Ankara forever.

But how long could they continue? Those who attempted to block a solution for their own personal interests and political careers are being purged nowadays. The intransigent parties lobbying for the impasse to persist are losing ground in Turkey, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and now in southern Cyprus; and they will be losing in the future.

Let's remember, pessimism prevailed following the referendum in 2004. The European Union had not kept its promise to lift the isolation on northern Cyprus; what's more, it froze eight negotiation chapters, stating that Turkey should open its air and seaports to southern Cyprus as a requirement of the customs union. It seemed at the time that the situation was not only preventing a solution in Cyprus, but also straining Turkey-EU relations.

However, the Turkish Cypriots, having sincerely asserted their willingness to resolve the problem, changed the atmosphere. The Greek side in brazenly pursuing an policy adamantly against any solution -- while enjoying its EU membership -- created great antipathy. With the Greek side's indifference to the Turks who favored resolving the problem, the opinion that the Turkish Cypriots on the island should determine their own destiny became more prevalent. This opinion would only grow stronger.

Papadopoulos's unexpected elimination in the presidential race might mark the beginning of a new era. Now it's time take the initiative. Turkey should choose the strategy of "being two steps ahead," instead of only one. We can pressure the Greek side for a solution. The first step that should be taken in this direction is to sign the agreement that expands the customs union. In doing so, we will have given the EU process a fresh breath, while helping the eight frozen chapters to be reopened.

The time is perfect for taking such an initiative, particularly now that Turkey's willingness to become a full member has been emphasized in the new Accession Partnership Document. There is no point in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) further delaying the approval process, fearing nationalist reactions. Just the opposite, Prime Minister Erdoğan, who has been established as the "most nationalist" leader by recent surveys, has a strong position whereby he can placate the nationalists. Therefore, it's high time that President Abdullah Gül started a comprehensive tour of Europe in addition to his Africa, Central Asia and Middle East visits.

23.02.2008

[Kifeas]

Halil, if we want to read the nonsense articles of every stupid and clueless Turkish or foreign journalist, we know where to find them alone, and we do not need you to copy and paste them in the forums all the time!

Rest sure the "Greek side" is not panicking, neither this time nor in it will be so in the future, as the author in your pasted article claims! The hard disk of our DNA has recorded numerous hardships, far worst than this one, during the thousands of years of our long history in this country, and we know that in the end we will survive, succeed and progress! There is no need and we do not panic, except in yours and the author’s fantasy!

[halil]

Halil, if we want to read the nonsense articles of every stupid and clueless Turkish or foreign journalist, we know where to find them alone, and we do not need you to copy and paste them in the forums all the time!

than don't read......................

[Kikapu]

IHSAN DAGI [email protected] Columnists

We are faced with a situation in Cyprus that we are not at all familiar with. The Turkish side is at ease; they are standing on ground that is morally and politically astute.
The international community has started listening to the Turkish theses far more attentively than before, appreciating that what comes from the Turkish side is a proposal and determination to resolve the problem, not obstinacy that begets deadlock. And the Greek side is panicking for the first time in years.
They are becoming more aware that the initiative is slipping from their hands and are realizing that they are also becoming isolated in their stance against the Turkish side, which favors negotiating and uniting.

Let's give Caesar what is Caesar's. This process began in 2002 with the constructive and conciliatory attitude adopted by the Ankara government upon the disclosure of the first solution package by Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general at the time. The stance of the Turkish Cypriots became clear when about 65 percent of them gave their support to the Annan plan in the referendum on April 24, 2004.

But let's not forget under what sort of conditions this referendum was introduced. Those who considered and then supported the Annan plan were accused of "selling the homeland." Some people even plotted coups in the atmosphere of nationalist fervor, and the hawks of Cyprus had been awaiting news of a coup or a military ultimatum while holding talks in Washington.

Those who had viewed the Turkish Cypriots' determination to resolve the issue as treason up until yesterday will not be happy today to see Turkey holding a trump card on the issue. (Another question arises here: don't they always view the preferences of the Turkish nation as such?) They wanted Cyprus to forever remain a problem that they could use to incite the nationalist feelings of the nation, thereby perpetuating a militarist administration in Ankara forever.

But how long could they continue? Those who attempted to block a solution for their own personal interests and political careers are being purged nowadays. The intransigent parties lobbying for the impasse to persist are losing ground in Turkey, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and now in southern Cyprus; and they will be losing in the future.

Let's remember, pessimism prevailed following the referendum in 2004. The European Union had not kept its promise to lift the isolation on northern Cyprus; what's more, it froze eight negotiation chapters, stating that Turkey should open its air and seaports to southern Cyprus as a requirement of the customs union. It seemed at the time that the situation was not only preventing a solution in Cyprus, but also straining Turkey-EU relations.

However, the Turkish Cypriots, having sincerely asserted their willingness to resolve the problem, changed the atmosphere. The Greek side in brazenly pursuing an policy adamantly against any solution -- while enjoying its EU membership -- created great antipathy. With the Greek side's indifference to the Turks who favored resolving the problem, the opinion that the Turkish Cypriots on the island should determine their own destiny became more prevalent. This opinion would only grow stronger.

Papadopoulos's unexpected elimination in the presidential race might mark the beginning of a new era. Now it's time take the initiative. Turkey should choose the strategy of "being two steps ahead," instead of only one. We can pressure the Greek side for a solution. The first step that should be taken in this direction is to sign the agreement that expands the customs union. In doing so, we will have given the EU process a fresh breath, while helping the eight frozen chapters to be reopened.

The time is perfect for taking such an initiative, particularly now that Turkey's willingness to become a full member has been emphasized in the new Accession Partnership Document. There is no point in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) further delaying the approval process, fearing nationalist reactions. Just the opposite, Prime Minister Erdoğan, who has been established as the "most nationalist" leader by recent surveys, has a strong position whereby he can placate the nationalists. Therefore, it's high time that President Abdullah Gül started a comprehensive tour of Europe in addition to his Africa, Central Asia and Middle East visits.

23.02.2008

The time is perfect for taking such an initiative, particularly now that Turkey's willingness to become a full member has been emphasized in the new Accession Partnership Document.

IHSAN DAGI seems to know everything, except what Germany and France said only 2 weeks ago, which was "No way Jose" to Turkey's EU membership as a full member.

As for Turkey taking the initiative to bring peace to Cyprus, I can't see it happening as long as the BBF that the TC's want comes in a form of a "disguised partition" and not in a form of a True Federation, which was clearly rejected by 75% of the GC's on the AP and not just by Papadopoulos as most like to blame. I'm only surprised that the "YES" TC vote was a very disappointing 65%, despite promises being made by the EU to lift the isolation on the "TRNC" if the TC's voted "YES" on the AP. That promise alone should have raised the 65% to 95%. Just imagine if those promises were not made. Can we say that the TC vote on the AP may also have been an OXI and the GC's 75% would have been even higher. I would have bet my bottom dollar on that outcome, for sure.

So, in essence, it was a bad plan all around, and as recently as couple of months ago, the True TC's overwhelmingly have rejected a "Partition Plan" in a survey taken in the "TRNC". I do not believe the True TC's want a direct or indirect partition of any kind. They want a settlement that will last and not for a very short time before the Fascist from either side can incite violence again.

[Marz]

well the thing is there are more mainland turks than Tc on Cyprus now thats why a solution wont come from both sides until the turks are gone.
The tc's can stay but the Turks can piss off back where they came they are the ones causing the problem still.

[Viewpoint]

IHSAN DAGI [email protected] Columnists

We are faced with a situation in Cyprus that we are not at all familiar with. The Turkish side is at ease; they are standing on ground that is morally and politically astute.
The international community has started listening to the Turkish theses far more attentively than before, appreciating that what comes from the Turkish side is a proposal and determination to resolve the problem, not obstinacy that begets deadlock. And the Greek side is panicking for the first time in years.
They are becoming more aware that the initiative is slipping from their hands and are realizing that they are also becoming isolated in their stance against the Turkish side, which favors negotiating and uniting.

Let's give Caesar what is Caesar's. This process began in 2002 with the constructive and conciliatory attitude adopted by the Ankara government upon the disclosure of the first solution package by Kofi Annan, the UN secretary-general at the time. The stance of the Turkish Cypriots became clear when about 65 percent of them gave their support to the Annan plan in the referendum on April 24, 2004.

But let's not forget under what sort of conditions this referendum was introduced. Those who considered and then supported the Annan plan were accused of "selling the homeland." Some people even plotted coups in the atmosphere of nationalist fervor, and the hawks of Cyprus had been awaiting news of a coup or a military ultimatum while holding talks in Washington.

Those who had viewed the Turkish Cypriots' determination to resolve the issue as treason up until yesterday will not be happy today to see Turkey holding a trump card on the issue. (Another question arises here: don't they always view the preferences of the Turkish nation as such?) They wanted Cyprus to forever remain a problem that they could use to incite the nationalist feelings of the nation, thereby perpetuating a militarist administration in Ankara forever.

But how long could they continue? Those who attempted to block a solution for their own personal interests and political careers are being purged nowadays. The intransigent parties lobbying for the impasse to persist are losing ground in Turkey, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and now in southern Cyprus; and they will be losing in the future.

Let's remember, pessimism prevailed following the referendum in 2004. The European Union had not kept its promise to lift the isolation on northern Cyprus; what's more, it froze eight negotiation chapters, stating that Turkey should open its air and seaports to southern Cyprus as a requirement of the customs union. It seemed at the time that the situation was not only preventing a solution in Cyprus, but also straining Turkey-EU relations.

However, the Turkish Cypriots, having sincerely asserted their willingness to resolve the problem, changed the atmosphere. The Greek side in brazenly pursuing an policy adamantly against any solution -- while enjoying its EU membership -- created great antipathy. With the Greek side's indifference to the Turks who favored resolving the problem, the opinion that the Turkish Cypriots on the island should determine their own destiny became more prevalent. This opinion would only grow stronger.

Papadopoulos's unexpected elimination in the presidential race might mark the beginning of a new era. Now it's time take the initiative. Turkey should choose the strategy of "being two steps ahead," instead of only one. We can pressure the Greek side for a solution. The first step that should be taken in this direction is to sign the agreement that expands the customs union. In doing so, we will have given the EU process a fresh breath, while helping the eight frozen chapters to be reopened.

The time is perfect for taking such an initiative, particularly now that Turkey's willingness to become a full member has been emphasized in the new Accession Partnership Document. There is no point in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) further delaying the approval process, fearing nationalist reactions. Just the opposite, Prime Minister Erdoğan, who has been established as the "most nationalist" leader by recent surveys, has a strong position whereby he can placate the nationalists. Therefore, it's high time that President Abdullah Gül started a comprehensive tour of Europe in addition to his Africa, Central Asia and Middle East visits.

23.02.2008

The time is perfect for taking such an initiative, particularly now that Turkey's willingness to become a full member has been emphasized in the new Accession Partnership Document.

IHSAN DAGI seems to know everything, except what Germany and France said only 2 weeks ago, which was "No way Jose" to Turkey's EU membership as a full member.

As for Turkey taking the initiative to bring peace to Cyprus, I can't see it happening as long as the BBF that the TC's want comes in a form of a "disguised partition" and not in a form of a True Federation, which was clearly rejected by 75% of the GC's on the AP and not just by Papadopoulos as most like to blame. I'm only surprised that the "YES" TC vote was a very disappointing 65%, despite promises being made by the EU to lift the isolation on the "TRNC" if the TC's voted "YES" on the AP. That promise alone should have raised the 65% to 95%. Just imagine if those promises were not made. Can we say that the TC vote on the AP may also have been an OXI and the GC's 75% would have been even higher. I would have bet my bottom dollar on that outcome, for sure.

So, in essence, it was a bad plan all around, and as recently as couple of months ago, the True TC's overwhelmingly have rejected a "Partition Plan" in a survey taken in the "TRNC". I do not believe the True TC's want a direct or indirect partition of any kind. They want a settlement that will last and not for a very short time before the Fascist from either side can incite violence again.

So youll be fine when we reject the next plan which we feel is not fair or will you continue blindly supporting the GC viewpoint as per usual?

[humanist]

The TC's are counting their eggs on the Kosovo, decision. Though Kosovo is not Cyprus. There will never be a partition get used to it.

[repulsewarrior]

quite frankly halil, i find the article hopeful. if it brings Turkey closer to improving its stature in the world, it is because the rights of its citizens will have been improved as well. who knows, the dreams of the great ataturk may well be revived with the recognition of Turks not as an ethnic group but as a national collective. such efforts, as a recognition of cyprus are steps toward this path. it seems that the author is pleading however, as though the state is not of his opinion. as such this issue of "panic" seems a poor assumption and reflects badly on him.

[halil]

quite frankly halil, i find the article hopeful. if it brings Turkey closer to improving its stature in the world, it is because the rights of its citizens will have been improved as well. who knows, the dreams of the great ataturk may well be revived with the recognition of Turks not as an ethnic group but as a national collective. such efforts, as a recognition of cyprus are steps toward this path. it seems that the author is pleading however, as though the state is not of his opinion. as such this issue of "panic" seems a poor assumption and reflects badly on him.

same writer has written this interesting article today. it will bring another ways to arguments at near future.
Can Turkish Cypriots go for referendum on independence?
Anyhow, the Turks realized that holding on to the status quo does not pay off. So did the Greeks, with some delay. Papadopoulos, the architect of the failure of the last peace plan, was left out in the race for the presidency.

The Greeks are on the defensive now and likely to remain so if the Turkish side takes additional assertive steps. For example, if the Turkish government decides to seek the approval in Parliament of a protocol for a customs union to open its airports and harbors to Greek Cypriot vessels, the Greek Cypriot government will lose the most important leverage against Turkey in the EU context. Then the suspended eight negotiation chapters will be opened for accession negotiations, speeding up the integration of Turkey into the EU. The Greek side then could not afford any attempt to put pressure on Turkey via the EU, since it would further alienate them in Europe.

Furthermore, the Greek side has to deal with the possible impact of Kosovar independence on the Cyprus question. Since 2004, as everyone knows, the government of northern Cyprus has received increasing international visibility and even acquired some degree of recognition. After the independence of Kosovo many ask the question: why not northern Cyprus?

I think the Greek side is under tremendous pressure. Time is not on their side as they assumed it to be in 2004. There is in fact another move that the Turks on the island might make, which would certainly increase the anxiety of the Greeks.

What can the Greek Cypriot government do if the Turks on the island decide to hold a referendum on their future and ask if the Turkish Cypriots favor independence?

It is pretty clear that the outcome of such a referendum would be independence in the wake of disappointment with the Greek side in 2004 and disillusionment with the EU. Nor should we forget the growing self-confidence of the Turks in recent years. No longer expecting salvation through the EU, the Turks on the island have taken their own course of action to improve the standard of life on the island. The north is prospering.

Some may ask in what capacity the Turkish Cypriots would hold a referendum. The answer is in the same capacity they had in 2004. The 2004 referendum for the UN plan endorsed the Turkish side as a political and legal entity capable of deciding its own fate. In fact the 2004 referendum was an exercise of the right to self-determination. The right to determine its fate was exercised by the Turks in 2004; then they opted for a united state of the Turks and the Greeks. But this was not reciprocated by the Greeks. If the Turks make another decision now, this time for a divided island, they can do so. And such a decision will be as legitimate as the one of the 2004 referendum for a united island.

25.02.2008

[Kikapu]

IHSAN DAGI seems to know everything, except what Germany and France said only 2 weeks ago, which was "No way Jose" to Turkey's EU membership as a full member.

As for Turkey taking the initiative to bring peace to Cyprus, I can't see it happening as long as the BBF that the TC's want comes in a form of a "disguised partition" and not in a form of a True Federation, which was clearly rejected by 75% of the GC's on the AP and not just by Papadopoulos as most like to blame. I'm only surprised that the "YES" TC vote was a very disappointing 65%, despite promises being made by the EU to lift the isolation on the "TRNC" if the TC's voted "YES" on the AP. That promise alone should have raised the 65% to 95%. Just imagine if those promises were not made. Can we say that the TC vote on the AP may also have been an OXI and the GC's 75% would have been even higher. I would have bet my bottom dollar on that outcome, for sure.

So, in essence, it was a bad plan all around, and as recently as couple of months ago, the True TC's overwhelmingly have rejected a "Partition Plan" in a survey taken in the "TRNC". I do not believe the True TC's want a direct or indirect partition of any kind. They want a settlement that will last and not for a very short time before the Fascist from either side can incite violence again.

So youll be fine when we reject the next plan which we feel is not fair or will you continue blindly supporting the GC viewpoint as per usual?

Once again VP, thank you for not disputing the above analysis. The only problem you seem to have, as always, is being told the truth. I know you have a great difficulty handling that, so needless to say, all your negative response comments are treated with the respect it deserves...........into the rubbish bin.!!

Of course you can refuse anything that is not Fair and Just for the True TC's and I will support you in that rejection. You would have refused the "dream come true" Annan Plan if promises were not made by the EU to lift isolation, so what makes me think you will accept anything less that does not grant the TC's Northern part of Cyprus as a pure Turkish Land or "Virgin Birth" as Kifeas calls it. Did you not already tells us that, unless the above happens, the last 40+ years would be in VAIN. Let me go one step further and say, that you will refuse anything that will be presented in the future, unless the above is on the table, even if the 1960 Constitution is re-instated. Why, because as our good friend Nikitas very correctly stated many times, that the TC's want to be the Masters in the North and Partners in the South, in some made for measure Confederation democracy to run the North as another country, while imposing rules that will not be beneficial to all Cypriots. If this is what you call Fair and Just, then I cannot support you....sorry.

Return to the 1960 Constitution and solve the problems that exists with that Constitution as BirKibrisli has suggested, because it is not workable the way it was written, or ask for a True Federation similar to the one I've suggested, and then you will have my support.

Lets see if you can be Fair and Just, just like me or do you deserve more than that VP.??