Cyprus-Forum.com

[Viewpoint]

The truth is that the only difference between Cyprus and the other Greek islands is that Cyprus was not allowed full self-determination and union with Greece, like the other islands were, due to the geo-strategic interests of the great powers.

Anything else is pro-Turkish revisionist hogwash.

Or, looked at another way, the only difference between Cyprus and the other Greek islands is that its people's superior birth, dignity, learning and saintliness have enabled it, in more recent years, to secure full autonomy from and equal status with Athens, the cradle and citadel of ancient Hellenic civilisation, at the EU and UN.

Of course you could look at it that way, as long as you are not concerned with accurately portraying history.

As far as I am aware the Greek islands are happy to be part of the Greek nation, and are equal in status with the Athenians as well as all other areas of Greece. Patently, they also have the added benefit of not having their islands split in two, partly thanks to the umbrella of the larger Greek state.

Its clear why we have to ensure that this island never becomes Greek.

[The Cypriot]

Of course you could look at it that way, as long as you are not concerned with accurately portraying history.

Cyprus made huge, huge efforts to secure its prized EU status after the terrible tragedy that befell it. This is an accurate portrayal of Cyprus history in the early part of the 21st century (that's AD not BC). Stop putting Cypriots down.

As far as I am aware the Greek islands are happy to be part of the Greek nation,

Good for them, if it's true, just as Cyprus is now happy to be part of the EU and a member of the UN. So everyone's happy.

and are equal in status with the Athenians as well as all other areas of Greece.

And Cyprus is equal in status with Greece at the EU and UN. So everyone's equal too.

Patently, they also have the added benefit of not having their islands split in two, partly thanks to the umbrella of the larger Greek state.

If we are accurately to portray history, it's that umbrella - trying to over-stretch itself to Cyprus in 1974 - which gave Turkey the pretext to rain down on the island, split it in two and flood it with settlers.

We have to deal with the mess we're in now, not forever cry over spilt milk because Cyprus isn't another Crete or Rhodes.

So, please, get on with your legal case against Turkey, your Beatitude, and leave all this pointless historic conjecture to those with inferior birth, dignity, learning and saintliness.

[Oracle]

Greece helped us into the EU.

[The Cypriot]

Greece helped us into the EU.

Thanks Greece. I love Greece for that.

[Oracle]

Greece helped us into the EU.

Thanks Greece. I love Greece for that.

And Greece loves you too!

[Simon]

Of course you could look at it that way, as long as you are not concerned with accurately portraying history.

The Cypriot wrote:

Cyprus made huge, huge efforts to secure its prized EU status after the terrible tragedy that befell it. This is an accurate portrayal of Cyprus history in the early part of the 21st century (that's AD not BC). Stop putting Cypriots down.

I'm not trying to put Cypriots down, so please do not accuse me of such. I was merely questioning your interpretation of history which suggested that Cyprus was an independent state because of its superiority to other Greek islands...

As far as I am aware the Greek islands are happy to be part of the Greek nation,

The Cypriot wrote:

Good for them, if it's true, just as Cyprus is now happy to be part of the EU and a member of the UN. So everyone's happy.

I know it's good. It was you who was somehow implying that the Greek islands were inferior to Athens, whilst Cypriots were equals. At least that was the way I interpreted it. Everyone will be happy once Cyprus' occupied areas are liberated.

and are equal in status with the Athenians as well as all other areas of Greece.

The Cypriot:

And Cyprus is equal status with Greece at the EU and UN. So everyone's equal too.

Correct. So please don't imply otherwise in the future.

Patently, they also have the added benefit of not having their islands split in two, partly thanks to the umbrella of the larger Greek state.

If we are accurately to portray history, it's that umbrella - trying to over-stretch itself to Cyprus in 1974 - which gave Turkey the pretext to rain down on the island, split it in two and flood it with settlers.

It was Cypriots more so than Greeks that wanted the umbrella to extend to Cyprus. You can't just blame Greece.

What you stated above exactly proves my point. Geo-strategic interests denying Cypriots their right of self-determination, this is where the problems began...

We have to deal with the mess we're in now, not forever cry over spilt milk because Cyprus isn't another Crete or Rhodes.

Who is crying over spilt milk? I am happy that Cyprus is independent. Stop trying to change history and stop trying to deny the rights of Cypriots to self-identify as Greeks and I'll stop saying that Cyprus was no different to any other Greek island...

[Simon]

The truth is that the only difference between Cyprus and the other Greek islands is that Cyprus was not allowed full self-determination and union with Greece, like the other islands were, due to the geo-strategic interests of the great powers.

Anything else is pro-Turkish revisionist hogwash.

Or, looked at another way, the only difference between Cyprus and the other Greek islands is that its people's superior birth, dignity, learning and saintliness have enabled it, in more recent years, to secure full autonomy from and equal status with Athens, the cradle and citadel of ancient Hellenic civilisation, at the EU and UN.

Of course you could look at it that way, as long as you are not concerned with accurately portraying history.

As far as I am aware the Greek islands are happy to be part of the Greek nation, and are equal in status with the Athenians as well as all other areas of Greece. Patently, they also have the added benefit of not having their islands split in two, partly thanks to the umbrella of the larger Greek state.

Its clear why we have to ensure that this island never becomes Greek.

I know it is clear why. So you could have what you do today.

[The Cypriot]

Greece helped us into the EU.

Thanks Greece. I love Greece for that.

And Greece loves you too!

I know.

[Get Real!]

Greece helped us into the EU.

Thanks Greece. I love Greece for that.

And Greece loves you too!

I'm going to be sick...

[The Cypriot]

I'm not trying to put Cypriots down, so please do not accuse me of such. I was merely questioning your interpretation of history which suggested that Cyprus was an independent state because of its superiority to other Greek islands...

Oh noble, self-effacing archbishop. You truly are a worthy spiritual leader, discouraging your flock from getting carried away with their superiority.

I know it's good. It was you who was somehow implying that the Greek islands were inferior to Athens, whilst Cypriots were equals. At least that was the way I interpreted it. Everyone will be happy once Cyprus' occupied areas are liberated.

With God's help in heaven, and his well-bred, dignified, learned and saintly agents here on earth.

And Cyprus is equal status with Greece at the EU and UN. So everyone's equal too.

Correct. So please don't imply otherwise in the future.

Forgive me, your Beatitude. All God's children are indeed created equal.

It was Cypriots more so than Greeks that wanted the umbrella to extend to Cyprus. You can't just blame Greece.

Of course not. Heaven forfend that our idiots should not incur God's wrath.

Who is crying over spilt milk? I am happy that Cyprus is independent. Stop trying to change history

History is open to interpretation. What happened cannot be changed but how it's perceived can and is, over time - as more facts emerge and understanding grows. And this is a healthy process.

and stop trying to deny the rights of Cypriots to self-identify as Greeks...

Your Beatitude, you think far too much of me. It is you who has this power. And, since your decision to take legal action against Turkey, I have every faith that you will put your country and its people's interests first.