Cyprus-Forum.com

[LANDJO]

Before coming to this island, I had heard very little about the TRNC, let alone their claim to recognition. In fact, while I encountered the GC claims for human rights and the removal of Turkish troops on several occasions, the TC's appear never to have bothered too much of broadcasting their message to the outside world.

The effect is clear. Though the political elite is increasingly sceptical towards the current GC administration, the people in general still support the GC side. In a recent article on tourism in the north in a major Norweigan daily, there was a public outcry.

There are still no official demands for recognition from the TRNC as far as I know. For lifting the embargos, yes - but only because that is an economic issue.

Why is that?

[gabaston]

International public opinion.

wow what a minefield.

Ignorance Landjo, pure simple ignorance..
During the regime of Makarios tc’s had limited media access to the outside world.

Their only source of contact with it were radios, occasional imported newspapers, and word of mouth, mainly returning relatives holidaying in Cyprus.

They had no outside diplomatic representation.

Gc became easy with dealing with international media, and it was easy for the outside world to believe the gc verdict to most stories, due to lack of official tc statements, since there was indeed very little that could be attributed to official tc statements, since officially tc did not exist, as we were officially all cypriots.


Or looked at it in another way tcs were just ignorant peasants, uneducated, and unaware of the importance of international opinion. Unable to relate their versions to the outside world, they settled for political discussion with themselves. I have always believed that tc’s were amongst, if not the most politically ignorant people of Europe.

The pendulum has since swung. Tc’s are no longer the ignorant peasants of the sixties, but are now second and third generation of such. They are better educated, they have internet access, and the now realize that their voices can be heard, so are now able to provide a counter the gc view.

I hope I haven’t confused you, and that you get the point what im trying to say.

Also bear in mind that for the early part of the twentieth century the then world super powers i.e. Britain and France, had a vested interest is putting to bed, once and for all its main rival empire i.e. Turkish/Ottoman, and making sure that it never rose again. This view was carried over, until the beginning of the cold war and the emergence of the new super powers of USA and USSR, which necessitated western allies to re-think their policies towards Turkey, however international public opinion was still entrenched with the mindset previously bestowed upon it by the colonial interests of Britain and France.

well thats the way i see it.

I hope that this has made some sense to you, as it is hard to sum up a hundred yrs international opinion and how it has been swayed.

[LANDJO]

That is close to how I understand the situation to be.

But still, it appears to me that the TC have not done what they could have to sway public opinion in their favor.

When I lived in London, GC staged rallies, argued, handed out leaflets condemning the Turkish occupation and Denktas iron rule.

There were Turkish Cypriots living there as well, but I never heard anything from them. Some Turks protested, maybe, but for them, in the end, the Cyprus question is not that important.

What do you GC think about this?

[negotiator]

Tc in London feel strongly about the issued but are always condemned and persecuted when anything is done raised or said about the issue.

Look at the animosity that has arisen for the "North Cyprus Exists Rally" that is due to take place. All this is asking for is recognition and the lifting of embargoes, have you seen the accusations and response to it. That is why the TC does not say anything, so that the peace is kept. But tide is now changing and we are using our voice so the International Community here us and stop the exploitation!

[Main_Source]

No, the reason I don't like this "North Cyprus Exists Rally" is that it is taking place in a highly populated area, which will only divide the Cypriot community in Palmers Green/Wood Green etc. It is also organised by members of a racist propaganda website called ATCAnews.org

I would have no problems if this rally took place in Trafalger Square or outside the Cyprus Embassy. The whole point of the Marching For Cyprus rallies I went on was to have them in central London and make people aware of the Turkish occupation. This rally is taking place in an area which will cause conflict between the Cypriot community.

Anyway, read the bollocks on the ATCA website and you might understand the tactics of having this march in a predominantly Cypriot area.

[negotiator]

How many times do I have to repeat myself!! The rally is only advertised on the ATCA web site, it does not have any affiliation with them. They have no involvement over it and are not organising. They are merely advertising and highlighting the event!!

That is why I am saying be clear about the statements you are making before you make them.

The rally is not against any GCs or anyone else for that matter. It is a peaceful Family Event, that is encouraging children, grandparents, parents etc.

It is for the International Community to lift embargoes and allow free trade, which TCs have the right to do.

The location has been chosen to ensure mass support, not create an ill feeling or animosity.

It has not been organised to create a them and us attitude at all, and you should not be taking that stance. Look at the bigger picture and the facts, not what you think or want/believe you can see.

[Main_Source]

The facts is the organisor writes for the ATCA and bringing upa nd legalising the invasion on a mass scale, in a highly populated Cypriot area, will not go down well. How can you say it's not a politcal rally when politics is the main problem with the Cyprus issue.

[Main_Source]

and advertising on a website like that only means they want people with those views to come to the rally.

[garbitsch]

Why don't I visit the ATCA website Sourcie???

[negotiator]

Were else is there for a TCs to advertise and event?

The tourism board advertised North Cyprus as a Holiday desination look what happened to those adverts!!!

Yes the orgaiser may have written for the website, but that does mean that atca as an organisation are organising this event. People are indiduals they can have views but do not have to have affiliations!