Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

"Yet, They Can"



Left-of-center, anti-American, influential Eleftherotypia argued (4/26): "The correct interpretation of the referendum leads to the view that the way toward the solution of the Cyprus problem must remain open, and not have it close hastily. One should also note that the Annan plan has also positive clauses, which are correct, and that is why although legally it is considered to be invalid, it remains politically a useful framework for discussions. The Cypriot people were asked to vote for a plan without knowing the contents of even the 200 pages, or the 20.... However, voters realized that the plan upgrades one community--which voted for it--and downgraded the other one, which voted against it. It is not especially difficult to correct the deficiencies of the Annan plan that everybody knows. For that the political will of the two communities is required. The two communities can show through the practical handling of all issues that they can live together and thrive in the EU."



"Planning, Initiatives After 'NO'"



Left-of-center Ethnos contended (4/26): "The visit of Cypriot President Papadopoulos to Athens must not be used as an opportunity to exchange views only. It must be used as a venue to plan for substantive cooperation that will restrain the side-effects of the international reaction [to the referendum in the South] and plan for the appropriate moves for the second chance."



"A New Strategy For Cyprus"



The lead editorial of independent, influential, Kathimerini held (4/25): "It is certain that the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue will not end with the referenda. The reasons that brought the two sides to the table of negotiations persist. The Cypriot and the Greek sides are faced with the major challenge of raising the issue again on a more fair and realistic basis, and so both sides are called upon to demonstrate imagination, boldness, generosity, and, above all, unity."



"Developments Following The 'No'"



Yiannis Kartalis observed in small-circulation, influential pro-government To Vima (4/25): "[The vote]...does not leave much latitude for anyone to doubt their true feelings toward a solution aimed at reunifying the island.... Partition becomes an established fact without the prospect for another solution soon."



TURKEY: "New Middle East, New NATO And New Cyprus"



Serdar Turgut argued in the sensational, mass-appeal Aksam (4/28): "Looking at the Cyprus question from a narrow perspective does not provide the real picture of what is going to happen in the region. Very few commentators are looking at the Cyprus issue from a strategic point of view, which is a pity since military strategy is the only concept that matters to the U.S. and UK in their assessment of the Cyprus issue. The U.S. is working on a new strategy to introduce during the upcoming NATO summit. The gist of this strategy is about directing the Greater Middle East project from American bases in Cyprus. The world's most effective intelligence unit, ECHELON, will be coordinated in Cyprus. Details can be found in the April 10 edition of the Asia Times.... We should be prepared for the upcoming NATO Summit. The U.S. is going to intensify its efforts to convince NATO and EU members about the establishment of an American base in Cyprus. If this does not work, the U.S. will definitely try to persuade Turkey to establish a base in the north of Cypr

[halil]

"Don't Expect Any Cash Prizes"



Mehmet Ali Birand commented in the sensational, mass-appeal Posta (4/28): "Some commentators are constantly saying, 'The Turkish Cypriots should be rewarded immediately for their acceptance of the plan and the Greek Cypriots should pay for their rejection of it.' This viewpoint is close to getting out of control because some are calling for immediate results. In other words, the European Union Council of Ministers or their leaders should immediately reward the Turkish Cypriots while punishing the Greeks. However, patience dominates international relations. We have to wait and play the game according to the rules. On the other hand, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Verheugen's statement after the commission meeting in Luxembourg was full of remarks that pointed toward a plan being formulated.... According to his statements, the TRNC will not be recognized as a state, but relations will be built without declaring its status. In other words, the Greek Cypriots will not be able to represent the entire island. The commission will ensure the lifting of all the trade and economic embargoes on the Turkish side. It appears that the current border will continue to divide the sides. Moreover, financial assistance will be given directly to the TRNC, not via Greek Cyprus. The fact which everyone has to get used to is that we are entering an uncertain period. The certainties we have lived with for the past 30 years are changing. We need to produce visionary and creative policies. If we do not produce them, someone else will present them to us. Therein lies the danger."



"Cyprus: Gains And Losses"



Yilmaz Oztuna commented in the conservative-mass appeal Turkiye (4/27): "Under the current circumstances, Turkey should be able to receive a date from the EU in the upcoming December summit. Turkey has also gained an important benefit from the referendum in that there is no way the EU can place Turkey on the irreconcilable side of the Cyprus issue. With the help of the northern Cypriots' yes to the Annan Plan and the EU's vision of Turkey, we have two important components of continuing to be part of the modern civilized world, which is the most important benefit of all.... There will be another important gain if the embargoes against Turkish Cyprus are lifted. In fact, a unique opportunity was missed due to the unfortunate attitude of the Greek Cypriot side. Had the Annan Plan been approved by the both sides, it would be a relief for everyone, including the whole of Cyprus, the US, the EU and the UN."



"Withdrawing Forces From Cyprus"



Fatih Altayli suggested in the mass appeal Hurriyet (4/27): "The referenda results are not the best outcome for Turkish Cypriots, yet they still provide hope and optimism for the future. The current process has gained a dynamic momentum and the northern side will be the winner regardless of what comes next. Turkey is also on the winners' side. It would not be realistic to expect the embargoes to be immediately lifted and recognition process to be immediately initiated. Yet, it is absolutely realistic to see things developing to the benefit of the north. In sum, this is a win-win case for both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.... This is the very time to take an initiative that will enhance Turkey's position: reduce the number of Turkish troops on the island. If Turkey manages to do this, it will provide enormous diplomatic benefits for us."

[Kikapu]

Halil is romanticizing for the yesteryears where he was going to be his own EFENDI at the expense of majority Cypriots by walking all over their Democratic and Human Right five years ago.!

[halil]

Gara Goyun meleme ..... OKU .....

"Is The Problem Over?"



Sami Kohen opined in the mass appeal Milliyet (4/27): "The ability of the Turkish side of Cyprus to preserve the benefits gained with the referendum depends on the strategy it will follow.... A policy that aims at permanent division or separation will bring huge problems in the future, especially, for Turkey, which expects a date from the EU in December, and for the Turkish Cypriots, who want the embargoes to be fully lifted and hope to join the EU (immediately after the Greek Cypriot accession) in the near future. Therefore, following their latest diplomatic success, it would be useful for the Turkish side to keep its options open for the realization of the 'Republic of the United Cyprus.' Of course, for this, the Greek side will need to show a serious change in its stance and correct its 'oxi' mistake. And, for everyone's benefit, this change has to be realized, as soon as possible, before the roads are separated fully."



"Turning The Loss Into A Profit"



Ismet Berkan opined in the liberal-intellectual Radikal (4/26): "The Turkish Cypriot side has managed to change its overall negative image regarding the Cyprus unification process. This itself provides an enormous chance for Turkish diplomacy. The crucial thing at this stage is to prevent the Greek Cypriot side from creating a new bargaining process on the fate of Cyprus based on its EU membership. Turkish diplomacy should focus on persuading the EU to pressure the Greek Cypriots for a repeat of the referendum in the south. The current Annan Plan, which was supported by the north, should be the basis of a new referendum in the south. This should be the immediate priority for Turkey rather than recognition of the north as a separate identity, which will only legalize the division of the island."



"Turkish Cypriots Are Waiting For Reward"



Ferai Tinc observed in the mass-appeal Hurriyet (4/26): "After strong support for the Annan Plan from the Turkish side, the north is still living in anxiety. The uncertainties brought about by the admission of the south to the EU are making the Turkish Cypriots very worried about their future. The status of Green Line is among the major uncertainties. There is need for an EU resolution on the status of the Green Line, yet given the Greek and Greek Cypriot veto power, it remains to be seen how and if this will happen. This also applies to other privileges, including commercial and maritime rights for the north. People in the north still remember that when the EU Commission came up with an aid package for the northern side in 2003, it went nowhere because the south blocked it.... While statements from Brussels give cause for optimism on the protection of Turkish Cypriot rights, the north wants to see actual deeds as well, and see them as soon as possible."

[bill cobbett]

Halil - Would you give us more info on THE PROMISES you refered to.

[halil]

"Cyprus After The Referenda"



Oral Calislar commented in the social democrat-opinion maker Cumhuriyet (4/26): "It seems that the international community, including the U.S. and the EU, have a unified position on Cyprus, in contrast to their different positions on Iraq. It is clear that the international community is very upset about the outcome of the Greek Cypriot referendum. However, it remains to be seen whether the international community will stop there or will look for new solutions. It is possible that UNSG Annan could start working on a new initiative, yet everything seems up in the air at the moment. In any case, the result from the north has provided very positive ground for the Turkish Cypriots, and nothing will ever be the same again in the north or in the south."



"Turkey Should Thank Papadopoulos"



Mehmet Ali Birand argued in the sensational, mass-appeal Posta (4/26): "The most important outcome of these referenda was that the world now knows that they were tricked by Greek Cypriots for the last three decades. Until now, they always said they wanted to live with their Turkish brothers and complained about Turkey's unjustified occupation. They also argued that Turkey was flooding the north with settlers and were asking for a federative resolution.... Papadopoulos will definitely support Turkey receiving a date to start membership negotiations because, according to his game plan, they can receive even more during Turkey's negotiations. A Turkey that is left out of the EU would be dangerous. Papadopoulos will play his hand during these negotiations and utilize the veto card to get all that he can. Can he succeed? Nothing is certain. The future may favor Greek Cypriots. The present developments may be forgotten. Turkey may forget its past mistakes and become careless, forgetting to be a step ahead of Greek Cypriots.... Papadopoulos took a very risky and very courageous decision, and initiated a process that could result in a better deal for himself. The only thing he should be careful about is that Turkey has woken up and is also playing the game. Don't ignore Papadopoulos."

[halil]

BRITAIN: "Picking Up Pieces"



The independent Financial Times remarked (4/27): "It will be even more important for the island's two 'parent' states, Greece and Turkey, to maintain pressure on their Cypriot co-linguists to pursue the path to a settlement. Athens and Ankara have no interest in letting Cyprus obstruct their efforts for a wider reconciliation across the Aegean."



"The Cost Of Saying No: Greek Cypriots Have Closed The Door On Reunification"



The conservative Times held (4/26): "The challenge now is to limit the fallout. Luckily both Greece and Turkey, under responsible prime ministers, will not let the Cyprus fiasco derail their rapprochement. The UN will retire hurt, but it is unlikely to pull out the peacekeeping troops. Britain, with bases in Cyprus and a web of ethnic links, could try to calm emotions. But counseling reason after such folly will be difficult."



"Cyprus Stays Divided"



The conservative Daily Telegraph editorialized (4/26): "The rejection by Greek Cypriots of the UN reunification plan was disappointing, mean-minded and wholly predictable. The moment the EU decided it would accept a unilateral application from Southern Cyprus, rather than insisting on an internal solution as a precondition for admission, it took away any incentive from the Greek side to compromise. We do not say this with the gift of hindsight: we pointed it out at the time.... In the circumstances, it is odd that the EU should complain of betrayal. Greek Cypriots made the entirely rational calculation that they had nothing to lose by voting No. Logically, the EU should react to the vote by bringing Northern Cyprus back into the comity of nations, ending the trade embargo, restoring air links and offering de facto recognition. At the very least, Turkish Cyprus should be offered a customs union with the EU on the same terms as Turkey. In practice, though, none of this is likely to happen as long as Greece can wield its veto. That, of course, has been the problem all along."

[halil]

"Island Of Lost Dreams"



The left-of-center Guardian contended (Internet version, 4/26): "Bishop Pavlos of Kyrenia told Greek Cypriots that they would be doomed to a life in hell if they voted for the United Nations plan to reunify the island. It was one of the more illuminating comments from a country which is about to enter the European Union, and presumably to adopt western European values. A fellow Greek Orthodox bishop on the island...revealed that his refrigerator was full of champagne for a bash.... While the dinosaurs toast the demise of the best chance of unification that Cyprus has had in three decades, Greek Cypriots of greater vision will today be counting the cost of this weekend's referendum. There will be no new deal on the table for them now, even if there were international mediators to help them, which today there are not.... The vote against the Kofi Annan plan was a vote to make 1974's Turkish invasion a permanent reality. The Turkish Cypriots, on the other hand, will get a substantial reward for approving the Annan plan.... The trade embargo which has crippled the north will be lifted and EU aid will flood in. The airport will be open to international flights and the port to trade. Turkey, which pushed for the Annan plan, will get a start date for entry talks to the EU. Greek Cypriot rejection means that the former pariah state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will now be recognized in all but name. Rauf Denktash, its rejectionist octogenarian leader, must be laughing all the way to the bank. None of which means that the Annan plan was particularly fair to the Greek Cypriots. But it was better than nothing."



GERMANY: "Different Kettle Of Fish"



Wolfgang Guenter Lerch commented in center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine (4/27): "Annan's plan to unite Cyprus is a different kettle of fish from the island's EU entry. But it is clear that it was counterproductive not to combine the island's EU entry and the peace referendum, because the Greek Cypriots were able to vote against the plan without any qualms. They will enter on May 1 anyway. On the other side, Turkey lost its bad reputation as objector. It's right that they want to be rewarded for having voted against their stubborn leader Rauf Denktash, who has also lost the support of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. It will now take some time till the divided island is reunited. However, financial help for the north and a lift of trade sanctions are on the way. Even the status of Denktash's 'state', which is still illegal, might change. In Ankara, Erdogan will use the vote for achieving his European goals."

[halil]

"Europe's Disappointment"



Christian Wernicke argued in center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (4/27): "Europeans look pretty helpless, since a vast majority of southern Cypriots rejected the reconciliation with their Turkish compatriots. The EU strategy for the Mediterranean island is now in tatters. For years it was a dogma that entering the EU could unify the divided island. But reality has nothing to do with the wishful thinking of Europeans, who have to revise their plans now.... But the disaster is not the fault of Europeans. Their error is ten years old, when they started the risky venture of negotiations. Now they must pay the price--all of them."



"Unprepared"



Katja Ridderbusch editorialized in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (4/27): "The vote of Greek Cypriots maneuvered the EU into a complicated situation, where international law will often put the brakes on political will. But this situation did not come as a surprise. Europe could see how it was building up during the recent months, but acted like a little child who closes its eyes: what I don't see does not happen.... One just was not prepared for the Greek Cypriots torpedoing the peace plan. EU diplomats will now find a solution how to deal with Cyprus--probably a very European one: a mixture between improvisation and pragmatism. And Europe will have to pay a price for this later in autumn, when the decision will be made about the start of negotiations with Turkey."



"Failed Referendum"



Carla Sappok said on radio station Suedwestrundfunk of Stuttgart (4/26): "Especially together with Greece, the small and divided island can put the brakes on many matters. The EU did not think of that when it gave up the idea of allowing only a united Cyprus with an acknowledged Turkish minority to enter the Union. EU Commissioner Verheugen is correct that there is a shadow over the entry of Cyprus. But it is more than that. The vote cast a shadow over the entire EU enlargement. One can now limit the consequences for Turkish Cypriots, but the political consequences for the future are not yet clear."

[halil]

"Missed Opportunity"



Horst Bacia editorialized in center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine (4/26): "Greek Cypriots will not accept such a peace plan as long as they just see the Turkish occupation as inexcusable injustice. They must learn that it was also a reaction to the culpable way they dealt with the Turkish minority on Cyprus. The realities created with military force must not be internationally legitimized now, because the Turkish invasion in northern Cyprus was legally wrong. Beyond that, the Turkish Cypriots now deserve to get any help from the EU and the international community. The Greek Cypriots are well advised not to abuse their questionable claim to represent the entire island. They already are the spoilsports in the EU. And Erdogan's government would act unwisely if it would press for an international acknowledgment of Northern Cyprus, because Turkey also will be relying on the Greek Cypriots when it wants to join the EU."



"Sirens On Cyprus"



Christiane Schloetzer commented in center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (4/26): "The Greek Cypriot government waged a fight against the Annan plan by slinging mud against dissidents. This has made the community deeply insecure again, after a friendly laissez-faire between the two ethnic groups replaced old fears when the border was slightly opened last year. The psychological damage of the campaign is enormous. Many Greek Cypriots will see themselves as the odd one out in the EU. And the failed referendum will also affect relations between Turkey and Greece. Greece already shows some realism, given the unsolvable situation. The conservative government seems to be willing to give up the old foreign policy dogma that it will not support Turkey's EU entry without an agreement on Cyprus.... For Turkey, the high approval by Turkish Cypriots means political release. For the first time it was able to demonstrate to the EU that it did not halt a peace plan."



"Cyprus"



Christoph von Marschall commented in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (4/26): "The EU must act more carefully in this region and must not run political risks for the sake of peace. Crisis regions should only join when they are totally pacified; otherwise the EU might be obstructed internally. This principle maybe unfair in some cases, because the opposing side gets a right to veto. But it is better to be unfair than unable to act. Cyprus' unity will remain on the agenda."