Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

My Fellow Compatriots,

Today, we have launched a new process to find a solution for the Cyprus problem.

I will maintain this process with the full responsibility of being aware of the fact what a solution means for the Turkish Cypriot people and for the world peace.

As a result of the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot people have been subjected to lots of suffering and have had to endure poverty and deprivation. Even during the recent years we have economically been relaxed, we have been forced to live isolated from the rest of the world.

We want to find a solution for the Cyprus problem and we will work for it. However, this solution should be a solution which will be able to safeguard the vested rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. During this new process I will work to produce “a good settlement plan” which will help us safeguard and further develop our rights and interests.

It has already been established that a solution that is to be found for the Cyprus problem will be submitted to the vote of the Turkish Cypriot people and Greek Cypriot people via simultaneous and separate referenda. Therefore, it will be my primary aim to come before my people with an optimum agreement they will approve with satisfaction.

My Fellow People,

We are all aware of the issues that will be undertaken during this new process we have launched today as well as the whole world. There is no issue that is not negotiated in detail during the negotiations that have been continuing for forty years. Therefore, our approach regarding the issues is well known by everyone.

So as to reach a positive result by the end of this newly commencing process, we need to work with a constructive spirit respecting the rights of the two peoples.

It should be well known by everyone that the Turkish Cypriot people have no intention of giving up their rights over the island of Cyprus. We know that these rights of ours can be safeguarded by “the political equality of the two peoples and the equal status of the two constituent states”.

Political equality and the equal status of Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and Greek Cypriot Constituent State will be the concrete reflection of our right to self determination which we have achieved as a result of the struggle that has been maintained since 1950s.

Fellow Turkish Cypriot people;

Since the first days the Cyprus problem has come into being, the most important and primary supporter of the Turkish Cypriots has been the Republic of Turkey.

Even though the conditions and difficulties, and the kind of support Turkey provides have changed over the years, Turkey’s support remained unchanged.

Turkey’s political and economic support is our primary power.

Our most important supporter in this quest to find a just and lasting solution for the Cyprus problem is the Republic of Turkey as well.

Allegations that the Turkish Cypriot people do not have their own will and that we are being directed by Turkey will not be a threat for our solidarity or will not make us ignore this solidarity and cooperation.

Being aware of the significance of the support of the Republic of Turkey, we have worked and cooperated in harmony with Turkey during the whole preparatory period. We will maintain the same cooperation and solidarity during the negotiation process as well.

Our relations with Turkey will also be maintained as closely as possible after a solution. We have already reiterated many times that the guarantee of the Republic of Turkey is one of the fundamental principles of a solution.

Turkey’s support in political and economic fields will also be maintained.

My Fellow Compatriots;

A solution that will be found for the Cyprus problem must be lasting and functional.

All the measures required to prevent a new conflict between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples should be adopted and shed a light to the future for long years.

The basic condition for this is a solution which will grant the possibility of self determination to both peoples and establish the necessary conditions for making the island of Cyprus a common home of these two peoples.

I will give all my attention and spend all my efforts for these conditions to be established.

All the problems regarding the Cyprus problem should be settled in a way facilitating the implementation of a solution that will be reached. For the solution to have a humanitarian character and to be approved by the two peoples in separate referenda willingly it should not only propose concrete solutions for concrete problems but it should also suggest applicable solutions.

It will be our primary duty during this process to reach at applicable, practical and realistic solutions.

My fellow people;

Whatever our prior position regarding the Cyprus problem was, we have to learn lessons from the developments of the day, try to better understand the world under the light shed by these lessons and establish our efforts for a settlement upon the information we derive from them.

We cannot derive such information from only the relations of the two peoples in Cyprus. Developments concerning the relations between different people in various places in the world should also be informative for us.

It is clear that the peoples of different characters, who have been forced to live together, have, later or some time in history or at the earliest opportunity they have, experienced or are experiencing conflicts to establish their separate administration.

The settlement that is to be reached for the Cyprus problem shall be of a nature that will not lead the Turkish Cypriot people and the Greek Cypriot people into a conflict again and will not allow any one of the two peoples exercise power over the other.

Fellow Turkish Cypriots,

During this period the efforts of finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem have been increased, I call upon you to actively participate in the process.

I do not demand your unreasoning support. The best support you can provide for me is to state your feelings and ideas clearly through realistic and constructive evaluations.

My objective is to reach a solution that the Turkish Cypriot people will approve willingly. Therefore, I would like to know simply what you think and what your plans are for the future.

Turkish Cypriot people should participate in this process as a whole. Our differences cannot and should not harm our integrity.

Make use of the democratic rules to the very end. Democracy is our most important power. An accession process in accordance with the democratic rules will make our different ideas our wealth and become our primary strength in the said process.

My fellow people,

We all know that a just and lasting solution that will be found to the Cyprus problem will contribute to a happier and more peaceful life on this beautiful island.

However, whether it is before or after a solution, it depends on us to have a much more developed country and live in a fair and just order.

The solution that will be found to the Cyprus problem will not be the final solution to all our problems. The solution of our problems is to establish a sustainable, productive and just order of life.

We know that there is an economically competitive order in the world. In order to be able to maintain our presence within this competitive order we have to work harder and more productively.

Therefore, we have to establish an economic order which will be the road map for the economic and social development of the Turkish Cypriots and will enable us to sustain our efforts efficiently either before or after a solution.

The decisions that will be taken to that end should be shared with all the sectors of the society and should be adopted particularly by the business world and the NGOs.

The NGOs should not be prejudiced against these decisions but evaluate them under the scope of an economic mind and in line with the vision to create a sustainable economic structure.

Not all the solutions to the problems lie with the public sector. On the contrary, most of the problems originate from unproductive public sector and the bureaucracy. The government with its decisions and the NGOs with their demands should both refrain from contributing the growth of this unproductive sector.

We are aware that a competitive economic order prevails in the world. We cannot change this order by ourselves. On the contrary; as long as we refrain from adopting the regulations this order requires, we find ourselves in deeper problems. Being aware of the fact that we have to adapt to and live by this order, we have to make good use of our comparative advantages, focus on the fields where our capacity to compete is higher and should not hesitate to act in line with the requirements of global or regional cooperation.

It is acknowledged that Cyprus will be in the EU as a whole after a settlement. Since this is our objective, not all the rules of the EU but the fundamental principles, one of which is to be able to survive in a competitive economic environment, should be acknowledged. We should prepare ourselves to exist within a competitive order.

My fellow people,

I would like you to be confident that the steps that will be taken to that end will increase our power in the negotiation process.

You are all aware that the power of people who are capable of supporting themselves and can take steps to that direction, and the power of people who are in need of foreign aid to survive is not equal. It is not even necessary to reiterate that an agreement that is to be reached concerning the Cyprus problem will be closely related with our power.

Esteemed Greek Cypriot people,

Turkish Cypriot people have proven before that they want a solution to be reached. We want a solution.

However, the Turkish Cypriots do not want to live under your administration. Even though you have been spending efforts to introduce the Cyprus problem to the world as a problem which originated in 1974, at least you, yourselves, know the truth.

The Cyprus problem originated and has been continuing since you, as the Greek Cypriots, did not want to accept the political identity of the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot people would like to be their own masters.

We can discuss many issues regarding the Cyprus problem with you. The only and most important thing we cannot discuss is the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self determination and their struggle to that end.

You have to accept this fact.

In spite all the problems the Turkish Cypriots experience, even if the others are not, you are aware that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept the rule of other people.

So as to make Cyprus our common home, you must be ready to share the sovereignty of this island with us.

The world has been going through quite eventful days. I am aware that the recent developments in the Balkans and the Caucasian are causing concern on your part. You perceive these examples as “bad examples”. Unless we reach a just, viable and comprehensive solution for the Cyprus problem, you will continue to observe these “bad examples” with concern.

Instead of dreading the bad examples, let us be “good examples” for other peoples.

Setting a good example of being able to live together despite our different cultures, let us take our positive position in history…

This is the objective we spend efforts for. Instead of being frightened of us, be ready to live and work with us to achieve this objective.

I also would like to call upon the leading countries of the world and the leaders of the international institutions.

Support our efforts in search of a solution.

What the world needs is a stable, untroubled and peaceful Cyprus.

Support us to make the island of Cyprus a heaven of peace.

Turkish Cypriot people are working for settlement and peace. Do not allow the efforts to isolate these people who have been spending efforts to integrate into the world.

You should know that the support you provide for the isolations imposed by the Greek Cypriot side are being exploited to eliminate the hopes for peace and settlement.

Various factors in the Greek Cypriot side have been consoling themselves with the delusion that the Turkish Cypriot people who have been forced to survive under the isolations imposed may accept the rule of the Greek Cypriot side and they strive to render the efforts for a settlement futile.

Stop encouraging them.

Turkish Cypriot people have proved that they will not give up their right to self determination even if they suffer under the heaviest isolations. Respect the Turkish Cypriots’ right to determine their fate. Feel confident that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of this right of theirs in favor of a settlement that will contribute to the world peace.

My fellow compatriots,

We have stepped into a new period.

We will start working to find a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus problem.

We want settlement. We have started to work for an agreement which will stabilize our rights in Cyprus. Our preparation is complete. During this process, we will make use of all the contributions that will be provided in accordance with the vision of a settlement.

Our objective is to reach an agreement that will bear beneficial results for us and the whole world. We will maintain our efforts to that end. (rg)

03 September, 2008.

[utu]

Not a bad speech, but the end result will soon see if it is sincere or not. Too many politicans talk too much yet say too little, and - bottom line - Talat is a politician...

[Paphitis]

That all seems clear to me. Talat chooses partition and to further the interests of RoT!

How immature!

[Kikapu]

Talat was talking mostly about partition in a form of a settlement.

Political equality and the equal status of Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and Greek Cypriot Constituent State will be the concrete reflection of our right to self determination which we have achieved as a result of the struggle that has been maintained since 1950s.

It is acknowledged that Cyprus will be in the EU as a whole after a settlement. Since this is our objective, not all the rules of the EU but the fundamental principles, one of which is to be able to survive in a competitive economic environment, should be acknowledged. We should prepare ourselves to exist within a competitive order.

Turkish Cypriot people would like to be their own masters.

We can discuss many issues regarding the Cyprus problem with you. The only and most important thing we cannot discuss is the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self determination and their struggle to that end.

Turkish Cypriot people have proved that they will not give up their right to self determination even if they suffer under the heaviest isolations. Respect the Turkish Cypriots’ right to determine their fate. Feel confident that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of this right of theirs in favor of a settlement that will contribute to the world peace.

Aside from those few points above and some about Turkey's support and garantees, the rest was palatable.

Talat talked about needing help from TC's to help him guide through these negotiations. He even mentioned DEMOCRACY, but did not say True Democracy. For all we know, he was talking about Democracy in name, like the ones in the Muslim world, which is a nicer word than saying DICTATORSHIP, just to please the West as they take their money.

Halil, could you direct Talat to read my posts on the forum so that he knows what needs to be done, so that conflicts will not start again in the future, because so far what Talat said above, is anything but a long lasting peace with the GC's. Talat wants to turn GC owned land in the north into a pure Turkish state with self determination, and be the masters of their own future. If this does not say "Fuck You" to the GC's, I don't know what else will.

Anyway, Good Luck with your negotiations Mr Talat. I'm sure the GC's will be tripping all over themselves to grant you what you see and wish as a long lasting Fair and Just settlement.! Well, atleast one or two will, but as for the rest, once again, GOOD LUCK.!

[roseandchan]

my worry is that for years the younger generation have been brain washed into believing the gc people are bad. example:one tc friend ask me why are you shopping in the south? why not was my reply? giving them your money, they may be buying guns with it.
how can people like this guide them through this process? the older generation are more willing to move forward. i do know that they have just asked for more people, with influence and education to joint them on a tempory basis. a friends brother has done just that. so there is hope, as i know he would support a solution.

[tessintrnc]

my worry is that for years the younger generation have been brain washed into believing the gc people are bad. example:one tc friend ask me why are you shopping in the south? why not was my reply? giving them your money, they may be buying guns with it.
how can people like this guide them through this process? the older generation are more willing to move forward. i do know that they have just asked for more people, with influence and education to joint them on a tempory basis. a friends brother has done just that. so there is hope, as i know he would support a solution.

Thats really strange what you say about the brainwashing of children and the disaproval of shopping, because all my TC friends are completely the opposite!! My friends regularly go South, to the restaraunts, shops and clubs, they want a solution and they do not fear or hate the GCs and certainly in the schools they do not teach the children to fear!! Are they TC or settlers?
Tess

[halil]

Talat was talking mostly about partition in a form of a settlement.

Political equality and the equal status of Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and Greek Cypriot Constituent State will be the concrete reflection of our right to self determination which we have achieved as a result of the struggle that has been maintained since 1950s.

It is acknowledged that Cyprus will be in the EU as a whole after a settlement. Since this is our objective, not all the rules of the EU but the fundamental principles, one of which is to be able to survive in a competitive economic environment, should be acknowledged. We should prepare ourselves to exist within a competitive order.

Turkish Cypriot people would like to be their own masters.

We can discuss many issues regarding the Cyprus problem with you. The only and most important thing we cannot discuss is the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self determination and their struggle to that end.

Turkish Cypriot people have proved that they will not give up their right to self determination even if they suffer under the heaviest isolations. Respect the Turkish Cypriots’ right to determine their fate. Feel confident that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of this right of theirs in favor of a settlement that will contribute to the world peace.

Aside from those few points above and some about Turkey's support and garantees, the rest was palatable.

Talat talked about needing help from TC's to help him guide through these negotiations. He even mentioned DEMOCRACY, but did not say True Democracy. For all we know, he was talking about Democracy in name, like the ones in the Muslim world, which is a nicer word than saying DICTATORSHIP, just to please the West as they take their money.

Halil, could you direct Talat to read my posts on the forum so that he knows what needs to be done, so that conflicts will not start again in the future, because so far what Talat said above, is anything but a long lasting peace with the GC's. Talat wants to turn GC owned land in the north into a pure Turkish state with self determination, and be the masters of their own future. If this does not say "Fuck You" to the GC's, I don't know what else will.

Anyway, Good Luck with your negotiations Mr Talat. I'm sure the GC's will be tripping all over themselves to grant you what you see and wish as a long lasting Fair and Just settlement.! Well, atleast one or two will, but as for the rest, once again, GOOD LUCK.!

Kikapu ,
everybody is free to get in touch with Talat , you can get him via mail or phone or directly from below contact link.

http://www.kktcb.eu/index.php?men=236&submen=0

[Piratis]

and certainly in the schools they do not teach the children to fear

From what I know in the schools in the occupied areas they do brainwash the children with the "evil" GC theories and how partition was needed so the "savior" Turkey would save them from the "evil" GCs.

How else could they explain the "trnc"? The aim of Turkey and TC leadership has always been partition (in one form or another) and therefore their education is trying to justify this.

On the other hand, in our schools they do not teach anything against the TCs, only against Turkey. Although TCs have also committed crimes against us, those crimes are ignored by our education system which emphasizes only the crimes committed by the Turkish army. This is because the aim of our side is unification and they do not want to emphasize the conflicts and differences between the two communities.

[Nikitas]

Back in the days of Denktash it was agreed and signed that there should be no separate self determination right.

If this is to change then the GCs also have a right to self determination. The phrase has a legal meaning in diplomacy.

Note also how the EU rules are to have limited application for TCs according to Talat. In other words the rules established by 27 modern European nations and applied to ALL of them cannot apply to TCs, they are a special case. Like we say in Greek "are we sailing wrong or is the coast line bent?".

And finally, this man who by rotation will preside over ALL Cypriots at some point if there is a settlement, has not addressed GCs directly, not once.

[Kifeas]

My Fellow Compatriots,

Today, we have launched a new process to find a solution for the Cyprus problem.

I will maintain this process with the full responsibility of being aware of the fact what a solution means for the Turkish Cypriot people and for the world peace.

As a result of the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot people have been subjected to lots of suffering and have had to endure poverty and deprivation. Even during the recent years we have economically been relaxed, we have been forced to live isolated from the rest of the world.

We want to find a solution for the Cyprus problem and we will work for it. However, this solution should be a solution which will be able to safeguard the vested rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. During this new process I will work to produce “a good settlement plan” which will help us safeguard and further develop our rights and interests.

It has already been established that a solution that is to be found for the Cyprus problem will be submitted to the vote of the Turkish Cypriot people and Greek Cypriot people via simultaneous and separate referenda. Therefore, it will be my primary aim to come before my people with an optimum agreement they will approve with satisfaction.

My Fellow People,

We are all aware of the issues that will be undertaken during this new process we have launched today as well as the whole world. There is no issue that is not negotiated in detail during the negotiations that have been continuing for forty years. Therefore, our approach regarding the issues is well known by everyone.

So as to reach a positive result by the end of this newly commencing process, we need to work with a constructive spirit respecting the rights of the two peoples.

It should be well known by everyone that the Turkish Cypriot people have no intention of giving up their rights over the island of Cyprus. We know that these rights of ours can be safeguarded by “the political equality of the two peoples and the equal status of the two constituent states”.

Political equality and the equal status of Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and Greek Cypriot Constituent State will be the concrete reflection of our right to self determination which we have achieved as a result of the struggle that has been maintained since 1950s.

Fellow Turkish Cypriot people;

Since the first days the Cyprus problem has come into being, the most important and primary supporter of the Turkish Cypriots has been the Republic of Turkey.

Even though the conditions and difficulties, and the kind of support Turkey provides have changed over the years, Turkey’s support remained unchanged.

Turkey’s political and economic support is our primary power.

Our most important supporter in this quest to find a just and lasting solution for the Cyprus problem is the Republic of Turkey as well.

Allegations that the Turkish Cypriot people do not have their own will and that we are being directed by Turkey will not be a threat for our solidarity or will not make us ignore this solidarity and cooperation.

Being aware of the significance of the support of the Republic of Turkey, we have worked and cooperated in harmony with Turkey during the whole preparatory period. We will maintain the same cooperation and solidarity during the negotiation process as well.

Our relations with Turkey will also be maintained as closely as possible after a solution. We have already reiterated many times that the guarantee of the Republic of Turkey is one of the fundamental principles of a solution.

Turkey’s support in political and economic fields will also be maintained.

My Fellow Compatriots;

A solution that will be found for the Cyprus problem must be lasting and functional.

All the measures required to prevent a new conflict between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot peoples should be adopted and shed a light to the future for long years.

The basic condition for this is a solution which will grant the possibility of self determination to both peoples and establish the necessary conditions for making the island of Cyprus a common home of these two peoples.

I will give all my attention and spend all my efforts for these conditions to be established.

All the problems regarding the Cyprus problem should be settled in a way facilitating the implementation of a solution that will be reached. For the solution to have a humanitarian character and to be approved by the two peoples in separate referenda willingly it should not only propose concrete solutions for concrete problems but it should also suggest applicable solutions.

It will be our primary duty during this process to reach at applicable, practical and realistic solutions.

My fellow people;

Whatever our prior position regarding the Cyprus problem was, we have to learn lessons from the developments of the day, try to better understand the world under the light shed by these lessons and establish our efforts for a settlement upon the information we derive from them.

We cannot derive such information from only the relations of the two peoples in Cyprus. Developments concerning the relations between different people in various places in the world should also be informative for us.

It is clear that the peoples of different characters, who have been forced to live together, have, later or some time in history or at the earliest opportunity they have, experienced or are experiencing conflicts to establish their separate administration.

The settlement that is to be reached for the Cyprus problem shall be of a nature that will not lead the Turkish Cypriot people and the Greek Cypriot people into a conflict again and will not allow any one of the two peoples exercise power over the other.

Fellow Turkish Cypriots,

During this period the efforts of finding a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem have been increased, I call upon you to actively participate in the process.

I do not demand your unreasoning support. The best support you can provide for me is to state your feelings and ideas clearly through realistic and constructive evaluations.

My objective is to reach a solution that the Turkish Cypriot people will approve willingly. Therefore, I would like to know simply what you think and what your plans are for the future.

Turkish Cypriot people should participate in this process as a whole. Our differences cannot and should not harm our integrity.

Make use of the democratic rules to the very end. Democracy is our most important power. An accession process in accordance with the democratic rules will make our different ideas our wealth and become our primary strength in the said process.

My fellow people,

We all know that a just and lasting solution that will be found to the Cyprus problem will contribute to a happier and more peaceful life on this beautiful island.

However, whether it is before or after a solution, it depends on us to have a much more developed country and live in a fair and just order.

The solution that will be found to the Cyprus problem will not be the final solution to all our problems. The solution of our problems is to establish a sustainable, productive and just order of life.

We know that there is an economically competitive order in the world. In order to be able to maintain our presence within this competitive order we have to work harder and more productively.

Therefore, we have to establish an economic order which will be the road map for the economic and social development of the Turkish Cypriots and will enable us to sustain our efforts efficiently either before or after a solution.

The decisions that will be taken to that end should be shared with all the sectors of the society and should be adopted particularly by the business world and the NGOs.

The NGOs should not be prejudiced against these decisions but evaluate them under the scope of an economic mind and in line with the vision to create a sustainable economic structure.

Not all the solutions to the problems lie with the public sector. On the contrary, most of the problems originate from unproductive public sector and the bureaucracy. The government with its decisions and the NGOs with their demands should both refrain from contributing the growth of this unproductive sector.

We are aware that a competitive economic order prevails in the world. We cannot change this order by ourselves. On the contrary; as long as we refrain from adopting the regulations this order requires, we find ourselves in deeper problems. Being aware of the fact that we have to adapt to and live by this order, we have to make good use of our comparative advantages, focus on the fields where our capacity to compete is higher and should not hesitate to act in line with the requirements of global or regional cooperation.

It is acknowledged that Cyprus will be in the EU as a whole after a settlement. Since this is our objective, not all the rules of the EU but the fundamental principles, one of which is to be able to survive in a competitive economic environment, should be acknowledged. We should prepare ourselves to exist within a competitive order.

My fellow people,

I would like you to be confident that the steps that will be taken to that end will increase our power in the negotiation process.

You are all aware that the power of people who are capable of supporting themselves and can take steps to that direction, and the power of people who are in need of foreign aid to survive is not equal. It is not even necessary to reiterate that an agreement that is to be reached concerning the Cyprus problem will be closely related with our power.

Esteemed Greek Cypriot people,

Turkish Cypriot people have proven before that they want a solution to be reached. We want a solution.

However, the Turkish Cypriots do not want to live under your administration. Even though you have been spending efforts to introduce the Cyprus problem to the world as a problem which originated in 1974, at least you, yourselves, know the truth.

The Cyprus problem originated and has been continuing since you, as the Greek Cypriots, did not want to accept the political identity of the Turkish Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot people would like to be their own masters.

We can discuss many issues regarding the Cyprus problem with you. The only and most important thing we cannot discuss is the will of the Turkish Cypriots for self determination and their struggle to that end.

You have to accept this fact.

In spite all the problems the Turkish Cypriots experience, even if the others are not, you are aware that the Turkish Cypriots will not accept the rule of other people.

So as to make Cyprus our common home, you must be ready to share the sovereignty of this island with us.

The world has been going through quite eventful days. I am aware that the recent developments in the Balkans and the Caucasian are causing concern on your part. You perceive these examples as “bad examples”. Unless we reach a just, viable and comprehensive solution for the Cyprus problem, you will continue to observe these “bad examples” with concern.

Instead of dreading the bad examples, let us be “good examples” for other peoples.

Setting a good example of being able to live together despite our different cultures, let us take our positive position in history…

This is the objective we spend efforts for. Instead of being frightened of us, be ready to live and work with us to achieve this objective.

I also would like to call upon the leading countries of the world and the leaders of the international institutions.

Support our efforts in search of a solution.

What the world needs is a stable, untroubled and peaceful Cyprus.

Support us to make the island of Cyprus a heaven of peace.

Turkish Cypriot people are working for settlement and peace. Do not allow the efforts to isolate these people who have been spending efforts to integrate into the world.

You should know that the support you provide for the isolations imposed by the Greek Cypriot side are being exploited to eliminate the hopes for peace and settlement.

Various factors in the Greek Cypriot side have been consoling themselves with the delusion that the Turkish Cypriot people who have been forced to survive under the isolations imposed may accept the rule of the Greek Cypriot side and they strive to render the efforts for a settlement futile.

Stop encouraging them.

Turkish Cypriot people have proved that they will not give up their right to self determination even if they suffer under the heaviest isolations. Respect the Turkish Cypriots’ right to determine their fate. Feel confident that the Turkish Cypriots will make use of this right of theirs in favor of a settlement that will contribute to the world peace.

My fellow compatriots,

We have stepped into a new period.

We will start working to find a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus problem.

We want settlement. We have started to work for an agreement which will stabilize our rights in Cyprus. Our preparation is complete. During this process, we will make use of all the contributions that will be provided in accordance with the vision of a settlement.

Our objective is to reach an agreement that will bear beneficial results for us and the whole world. We will maintain our efforts to that end. (rg)

03 September, 2008.

Dear Mr. Talat,

I understand your agony, frustration and anger. It is the agony, frustration and anger of someone going through a cognitive dissonance shock. It is the agony, frustration and anger of someone in complete conflict between what his subconscious logic tells him, and what his subconscious emotions, feelings and desires do. Deep down, you do not want reunification, Mr. Talat. Deep down, all you care about is to secure and solidify for your side what you believe was a very favorable fait accompli in 1974. I do not blame you Mr. Talat. All greedy mortals would feel and think the same!

Unfortunately Mr. Talat, others too, in this world, have rights and interests, including the Greek Cypriots. I won’t bother going into the details of what you have listed above as your aims and desires, but “no” Mr. Talat, the GCs are not interested in dominating or ruling you and your community, in the same way that they are not interested in being ruled and dominated by Turkey –as you would want us to become under the terms of your solution idea. I can only assure you Mr. Talat, that the moment you realize that the only way to “achieve” and “secure” all the above you have listed –including your “self-determination” as a “separate people” and the securing of Turkey’s “rights” and “guarantees” over your community and over a part of Cyprus, will only be through partition on the basis of the legally established demographics and property ownership in Cyprus, which is at best for your community on an 80:20 basis!

Mr. Talat, wanting all the above you have listed, which translate into nothing short of a disguised partition, without at the same time being willing to accept that your fair share of the island’s territory comes to nothing near what you possibly aim and claim, is tantamount to you wanting to “have your cake and eat it too!” It is tantamount to you saying to us the Greeks Cypriots that, “what is yours is yours, and what is ours is yours too;” or in a more Cypriot language, “to have your dog fed, and your bread-loaf complete!” Make up your mind, Mr. Talat, because there is nothing like a “free cake” in this world, because others have rights too on this planet, and because you and your “motherland” are illegally seating on a piece of territory and a country that has historically been the homeland of the GCs for 4,000 years now –almost 10 times longer than your community’s first appearance in Cyprus!

05 September, 2008