Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

The British High Commissioner in Cyprus Peter Millet has highlighted the need for underlining the advantages of reunification in Cyprus rather than focusing on the costs of a political settlement.


“This is not a zero-some game, but a win-win option” he said.

Mr Millet’s words came during a social reception organized by the British High Commission for Turkish Cypriots inNicosia (Lefkoşa) last night.


President Mehmet Ali Talat, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer, ministers, mayors, some ambassadors, representatives from political parties and civil society organizations were among the many guests attending the British High Commission’s annual garden party.


Some Turkish Cypriot and English products were also displayed during the reception during which the guests also enjoyed a good taste of music performed by an orchestra.


Delivering a speech at the reception, the British High Commissioner Peter Millet stressed the importance of establishing an indivisible federal partnership on the island, based on two constituent states having political equality.


Referring to his speech last year, Mr Millet reminded that he was speaking of his disappointment over the lack of progress in the solution process and was still calling on people not to give up hope.


“However, this year, I am very happy to see the positive developments following the 21st March Agreement signed between the two leaders” he said.


Welcoming the heavy efforts of two leaders towards the solution of the Cyprus problem, the British High Commissioner referred to the opening of the Lokmaci gate for crossings and the decision of both sides to simultaneously cancel military exercises, and said, few in the past would imagine that these would be possible today.


Stating that some media is focusing on statements made about the ‘costs’ of a solution, Mr Millet said he prefers to highlight the benefits of unification as this will be a strong tool in encouraging both sides for a solution further.


Bearing in mind the advantages Turkish Cypriots will gain with the reunification of Cyprus, Millet said Turkish Cypriots will gain their rightful position within the EU with equal rights with Greek Cypriots; have a good opportunity of cultural exchange with other countries and will have the chance to trade freely with other EU countries.


EU’s structural funds will also be provided and isolations will be removed, Millet added.


Mr Millet finalized his speech by saying “Now there is the best opportunity for a settlement. Please don’t miss it, seize it!”

and here's why.

"Replying to a question regarding the British bases in the island, Millet said: “The bases are important for the United Kingdom. We want to continue our military operations here and for this reason we want stability, security and prosperity on the island." - end of quote

In an interview to a Greek Cypriot newspaper, the British High Commissioner said that it was wrong to perceive or define the Sovereign British Bases as a colonial relic, adding that the British Bases was not only for Britain’s security but for the whole security of Europe.

Stating that the bases had no colonial meaning or purpose for Britain, Mr. Millet said that British forces were based on the island purely for military purposes.

I think Britain needs to be reminded about her obligations as a Guarantor Power to The Republic of Cyprus.

If Britain is prepared to fulfill her obligations of protecting the Sovereignty and Territorial integrity of the Republic, then maybe we would be willing to accept the existence of these bases in Cyprus.

It is also disappointing that the current peace negotiations are protecting the interests and aspirations of all other countries except for Cyprus. How on earth do they expect the GC people to vote for a peace proposal which allows Turkey intervention rights and reduces the political power of each GC citizen by 80%. I GC vote = 0.20 of a TC vote.

It just does not add up.

[DT.]

So it was the "patriotic jargon" bit that got your attention DT. I thought the first part of my sentence ie

Millet spoke wisely and if solution serves the Brits too, so what, DT

contained the essence of my contribution to this thread. Once again, you fail to grasp the big issue and you dwell on the minor detail.

GR, what are you doing about the continuous presence of the British bases? Have you anything concrete to suggest?

And of my entire post thats all you got out of it? Here it is again.

Your allergy to national self interest has transformed you into a vitrual global slave and not a citizen as you advertise Bananiot. Take a look at yourself and stop being so suspicious when someone points out something that might mildly be for or against your national self interest.

[Bananiot]

You do not expect me to take you seriously when you write about "my national self interest", do you DT?

[DT.]

You do not expect me to take you seriously when you write about "my national self interest", do you DT?

You have no notion of any national self interest? Is this the same criteria you used to judge whether or not the AP was the right solution?

[Paphitis]

You do not expect me to take you seriously when you write about "my national self interest", do you DT?

I may be mistaken, but I think he meant to say "SELF INTEREST".

[Bananiot]

About the Annan Plan, DT. You can direct your enquiries to Glafkos Klerides whose "national self interests" you can also question and are obviously hugely more important than mine.

Mark my words, a time will come when we will be begging for the Annan Plan but the bird has flown. The train of history passed by and we failed to get on it.

[DT.]

About the Annan Plan, DT. You can direct your enquiries to Glafkos Klerides whose "national self interests" you can also question and are obviously hugely more important than mine.

Mark my words, a time will come when we will be begging for the Annan Plan but the bird has flown. The train of history passed by and we failed to get on it.

The Annan plan thatw as in front of Clerides and the Annan plan that was the result of Tpap's negotiation (or lack off) are 2 different things. YOU wanted to vote for the last one.

[BirKibrisli]

Bananiot...Why don't you just say "Milk is white" and see if there is one GC here who would agree with you...???

I applaud your endless attempts to introduce some sanity and objective balance into the whole situation...But I am afraid people are hell bent now on throwing the baby out with the bath water...Just to be spiteful,revengeful,self-rightious...
A pity,dear friend...A BIG bloody pity...

[CBBB]

What idiot said milk is white?

[BirKibrisli]

What idiot said milk is white?

Just hang on a minute,CBBB...No one has said it yet...And probably no one will....