Cyprus-Forum.com

[miltiades]

I believe that our island stands a far better chance of having peace , stability and justice if its people embraced their Cypriotness which after all is the predominant common ground factor that exists amongst the people of Cyprus.
I though the introduction of this poll will give us some food for thought as I believe that the majority of Greek Cypriots are first and foremost Cypriots. Does this apply to the Turkish Cypriots too ? Let us find out.

[kurupetos]

I refuse to participate. That's a stupid question.

[miltiades]

I refuse to participate. That's a stupid question.

Try again !!

[Rebel.Without.A.Pause]

refuse to participate. That's a stupid question.

I second that.

[Oracle]

I agree this is irrelevant.

My son would be just as Cypriot if he supported the RoC even being half Scottish as he is, and even if he chose to live in Scotland.

The fundamental question is whether we support the RoC and what it stands for ... not the issue of the many roots all Cypriots have from our past and present multicultural traditions.

[Magnus]

Can we please have some clear definitions of the various options? I would like to know what I am being asked to vote for. For the purpose of this question, what are 'Greek Cypriots', 'Turkish Cypriots', and generic 'Cypriots'?

For example, is a Greek Cypriot someone who values their Hellenic heritage? With Cyprus being a predominantly Hellenic nation then what is to differentiate a 'Greek Cypriot' from a generic 'Cypriot'?

Alternatively, is a Greek Cypriot someone who values their Hellenic heritage more than they value the island of Cyprus? If this is the case then are you asking people to choose between what they 'are' and the place they call home?

How about those other Cypriots like Armenians and Maronites etc, there doesn't appear to be any provision for them in this question.

Also, what about those of us born abroad? Are we being asked to choose if we cherish our cultural heritage more than the land mass of Cyprus?

Can you please clarify? Thanks.

[Paphitis]

The poll is irrelevant, because being Cypriot can as a matter of a very personal choice, also mean the respect of one's heritage, which may be Greek or Turkish. By all means, being Cypriot is our common ground, but freedom of expression, liberty and tolerance should be exhibited to individuals wanting to express themselves as they wish. If persons wish to hold either the Greek or Turkish flag as dear to them, then they should be allowed to do so as long as those individuals do not go overboard and express over nationalistic ideals designed to hurt the other. Allegiance to Cyprus should be the overriding factor, and that which unites both groups.

Unfortunately Miltiades, you need to understand the difference between Nationality and Ethnicity. Cypriot being a nationality, and Greek or Turkish being an ethnicity. IMHO

[Oracle]

Miltiades ... ask who supports the legitimate government of this country, the RoC.

That is the pertinent point.

It would then be open to anyone, no matter their ethnicity, be it pure or of mixed origins.

This is about politics not genealogy.

[miltiades]

The question is very clear .Are we the people of Cyprus CYPRIOTS first , just as the people of Malta are Maltese , the people of Spain are Spanish and so on and so forth. There is a clear distinction between Ethnicity and Nationality , however the question here are we the people of Cyprus CYPRIOTS Or bloody foreigners .
Everyone can see that the main reason of our conflict is the fact that we have not embraced our very own ethnicity that of the Cypriot nation .

[Oracle]

No Miltiades! .... we have to detach these ethnicities from the government of Cyprus.

They are a divisive throwback to the time of the British.

All peoples, be they Turkish, Armenian, Greek, Kurd, Pole, Sri Lankan ... whatever; have a right to call themselves Cypriot citizens if they are here with the mutual, reciprocal support and recognition of the RoC.

Now if you want to know what genealogical roots people have ... that is separate and detachable from the consideration of whether they are Cypriot or not.