Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

TURKEY READY TO SUPPORT A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE PLAN IN CYPRUS

28 June 2009, Sunday

Turkish Minister of State and Chief Negotiator for the European Union Egemen Bagis has said ‘if the two leaders on the island reach an agreement that is acceptable by both sides, Turkey will support this solution as well’.

In an interview he gave to a newspaper, the Turkish Minister of State evaluated the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s EU prospective.

Answering a question regarding Turkey opening its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels, Mr. Bagis said the moment Turkey does this; it will mean that it has accepted the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sovereign state on the island.

Showing Taiwan as an example Mr. Bagis said ‘the whole world is trading with Taiwan but this doesn’t mean that they recognize that country.

The European Union had decided to end the isolation on the 26th of April 2004 of the Turks of Cyprus but this doesn’t mean that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be recognized’, said Mr. Bagis.

Reminding that the Annan Plan wasn’t perfect but was supported because it was a just plan Mr. Bagis said as soon as the leaders in Cyprus come up with a mutually acceptable plan, Turkey is ready to support a solution plan once again.

Referring to Turkey’s EU prospective, the EU Chief Negotiator said Turkey is determined to conclude its negotiations process with the EU.

‘We want full membership to the EU and will not accept anything less.
Full membership of nothing’, he added.

http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/en/cat/2/news/51357

"Answering a question regarding Turkey opening its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels, Mr. Bagis said the moment Turkey does this; it will mean that it has accepted the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sovereign state on the island.

Showing Taiwan as an example Mr. Bagis said ‘the whole world is trading with Taiwan but this doesn’t mean that they recognize that country."

The above seems to contradict each other.

"If Turkey opens its ports to Greek-Cypriot vessels, it won't mean that it recognises the Greek-Cypriot administration as the prevalent country on the whole island," he said.

Further contradictions with the above what Paphitis posted.

To me, it sounds like Turkey is getting ready to bend on the opening of the ports issue to the RoC, but will use the Taiwan as an example, where Turkey does business with Taiwan at present, along with the rest of the world, but officially do not recognise Taiwan, again, along with the rest of the world. This will get Turkey off the hook come December's dead-line with the EU. The EU may as a good gesture make some limited concessions on the north, perhaps also citing Taiwan as an example, but I do not expect full trade to be established with the north as to what Turkey wants as a trade off by opening it's ports and airspace to the RoC, because the two issues are not related on Turkey's path to EU membership. Turkey has only been using the EU-north non trade as an excuse to delay opening her ports and air space to the RoC.

It is very interesting to view these contradictory reports from the international press, Turkey and the "trnc" media.

I happen to agree with you in that I believe the Erdogan Government is starting to see the futility of its stance on Cyprus and how this stance will impact its EU ambitions for full membership. On the one hand we have Turkey preparing to make some major concessions in time for the December progress report, and on the other hand we have the "trnc" which is finding it difficult to come to terms with reality.

I don't believe full trade with the "trnc" can be implemented, but I do believe that if Turkey does choose to comply with the EU directive of opening her ports and airspace, then some other gestures will be made such as increased EU assistance to the TCs.

You are right-basis on the fulish Greek side policy, giving a lawfull subject against an illegal action.What to hell a EU regulation for free trade between EU countries and candidate country has to do with the trade between EU and an illegal establishment.?

Foolish are those that read but don't comprehend.

I was not advocating free trade with the "trnc". This can't happen unless the goods are imported or exported through RoC declared legal points of entry.

I do however see that Turkey is starting to lay the ground work for full compliance with EU directives on opening its ports and airspace, and given that her ambitions are for full EU accession, then I don't see that Turkey has much choice on the matter.

This gesture would surely have to be reciprocated, with possible EU financial assistance to the TCs.

Maybe you did not read the full statement of the Turkish ministr- he said" the first vessel under Cyprus flag to be allowed to call a Turkish port will be this which will load oranges from Famagusta for delivery to Turkey"

My article stated that Turkey was fully prepared to coincide the opening of ports and airspace with international trade with the illegal "trnc" regime. What else do you expect him to say at this early stage?

He then went on to say that the opening of its ports and airspace does not mean that it recognizes the RoC.

My understanding is that this stance is a substantial softening, as Turkey is coming to terms with her EU obligations and how these must be fulfilled if it is to realize full EU accession. My understanding is that Turkey is starting to bend on the ports and airspace issue in order to obtain a favorable EU progress report in December.

[Paphitis]

TURKEY READY TO SUPPORT A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE PLAN IN CYPRUS

28 June 2009, Sunday

Turkish Minister of State and Chief Negotiator for the European Union Egemen Bagis has said ‘if the two leaders on the island reach an agreement that is acceptable by both sides, Turkey will support this solution as well’.

In an interview he gave to a newspaper, the Turkish Minister of State evaluated the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s EU prospective.

Answering a question regarding Turkey opening its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels, Mr. Bagis said the moment Turkey does this; it will mean that it has accepted the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sovereign state on the island.

Showing Taiwan as an example Mr. Bagis said ‘the whole world is trading with Taiwan but this doesn’t mean that they recognize that country.

The European Union had decided to end the isolation on the 26th of April 2004 of the Turks of Cyprus but this doesn’t mean that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be recognized’, said Mr. Bagis.

Reminding that the Annan Plan wasn’t perfect but was supported because it was a just plan Mr. Bagis said as soon as the leaders in Cyprus come up with a mutually acceptable plan, Turkey is ready to support a solution plan once again.

Referring to Turkey’s EU prospective, the EU Chief Negotiator said Turkey is determined to conclude its negotiations process with the EU.

‘We want full membership to the EU and will not accept anything less.
Full membership of nothing’, he added.

http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/en/cat/2/news/51357

"Answering a question regarding Turkey opening its ports to Greek Cypriot vessels, Mr. Bagis said the moment Turkey does this; it will mean that it has accepted the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sovereign state on the island.

Showing Taiwan as an example Mr. Bagis said ‘the whole world is trading with Taiwan but this doesn’t mean that they recognize that country."

The above seems to contradict each other.

"If Turkey opens its ports to Greek-Cypriot vessels, it won't mean that it recognises the Greek-Cypriot administration as the prevalent country on the whole island," he said.

Further contradictions with the above what Paphitis posted.

To me, it sounds like Turkey is getting ready to bend on the opening of the ports issue to the RoC, but will use the Taiwan as an example, where Turkey does business with Taiwan at present, along with the rest of the world, but officially do not recognise Taiwan, again, along with the rest of the world. This will get Turkey off the hook come December's dead-line with the EU. The EU may as a good gesture make some limited concessions on the north, perhaps also citing Taiwan as an example, but I do not expect full trade to be established with the north as to what Turkey wants as a trade off by opening it's ports and airspace to the RoC, because the two issues are not related on Turkey's path to EU membership. Turkey has only been using the EU-north non trade as an excuse to delay opening her ports and air space to the RoC.

It is very interesting to view these contradictory reports from the international press, Turkey and the "trnc" media.

I happen to agree with you in that I believe the Erdogan Government is starting to see the futility of its stance on Cyprus and how this stance will impact its EU ambitions for full membership. On the one hand we have Turkey preparing to make some major concessions in time for the December progress report, and on the other hand we have the "trnc" which is finding it difficult to come to terms with reality.

I don't believe full trade with the "trnc" can be implemented, but I do believe that if Turkey does choose to comply with the EU directive of opening her ports and airspace, then some other gestures will be made such as increased EU assistance to the TCs.

You are right-basis on the fulish Greek side policy, giving a lawfull subject against an illegal action.What to hell a EU regulation for free trade between EU countries and candidate country has to do with the trade between EU and an illegal establishment.?

Foolish are those that read but don't comprehend.

I was not advocating free trade with the "trnc". This can't happen unless the goods are imported or exported through RoC declared legal points of entry.

I do however see that Turkey is starting to lay the ground work for full compliance with EU directives on opening its ports and airspace, and given that her ambitions are for full EU accession, then I don't see that Turkey has much choice on the matter.

This gesture would surely have to be reciprocated, with possible EU financial assistance to the TCs.

Furthermore DT, if GR once to be a real smart arse and reject the RoC agreed and internationally accepted UN outline for a BBF, then he may want to consider how HIS ideals might very well bring about permanent partition in Cyprus.

I'm more than willing to accept his opinion, but it does not mean I agree with them.

In case the buffoon still has not comprehended the precedence that the RoC has accepted and agreed to then he should read the following very carefully:

Statement of the two leaders, read by Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of Mission of UNFICYP, following the meeting on 23 May 2008 between Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias:

JOINT STATEMENT

BY GREEK CYPRIOT LEADER DEMETRIS CHRISTOFIAS

AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADER MEHMET ALI TALAT

23 May 2008

The Leaders today had genuine and fruitful discussions, and reviewed the results achieved pursuant to the 21 March agreement.

They reaffirmed their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions. This partnership will have a Federal Government with a single international personality, as well as a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status.

They instructed their Representatives to examine, within 15 days, the results of the technical committees.

The Representatives will consider civilian and military confidence-building measures. They will also pursue the opening of Limnitis/Yeşilırmak and other crossing points.

The Leaders decided to come together again in the second half of June to make a new assessment.

http://www.unficyp.org/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=1588

I think it is time he comes to terms with reality, lest OUR most feared partition in perpetuity comes to fruition....

[halil]

In an interview to a Greek Cypriot newspaper, Mr Talat stressed that the solution of the Cyprus problem will include the unification of two existing states on the island.

He said, some can see the possible agreement as a patching into the so-called Republic of Cyprus which is run by the Greek Cypriot Side, while on the other hand some can call the new formation ‘a new state’.

President Talat told the Greek Cypriot newspaper that the two sides have reached agreement over the issues of courts and criminal offence in federal terms.

Mr Talat said that the proposal which he most reacted against has been the election of the President by all citizens of the reunified Cyprus.

“We’ve prepared about 30 joint documents so far. The Greek Cypriot side’s approach is cited in blue, ours in red and the majority of the content is cited in black. We now work hard to eliminate blue and red colours” Talat added.

The President noted that it’s a possibility for Turkey, Greece and the international community to become parts of solution efforts while working on issues of disagreement.

“The prior and everlasting demand of the Turkish Cypriot Side is to have the Turkish Cypriot population as a majority within their own regions” he said.

President Talat also stated that he is not sure if the Greek Cypriot Leader Dimitris Christofias has enough courage and responsibility to put his signature under a final settlement in Cyprus.

http://www.brtk.cc/index.php/lang/en/cat/2/news/51341

[humanist]

Deniz, there are way too many partitionists or at least racists in the RoC

Having said that I truly believe the TC's will be looked after well, if nothing else by fear of embarassement in the EU family

[Paphitis]

Deniz, there are way too many partitionists or at least racists in the RoC

Having said that I truly believe the TC's will be looked after well, if nothing else by fear of embarassement in the EU family

What makes you say this???

I don't believe there are many GCs that advocate partition at all.

Are you basing this on personal experience or do you have some valid evidence to support your opinion?

[Get Real!]

The ROC will find it difficult to come down on these "fools" when for example: its leading the way in recognising the work Hellenic lobbies in the US, do for Cyprus.

Phileleftheros today lists some of the annual funding received by US lobby groups.

Patton Boggs Annual Amount of $1,243,500
The INternational Coordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus" $100,000
The group of Coordinated Effort of Hellenes in the US $300,000
The American Hellenic Institute $200,000
Cypriot Federation of the US $125,000

You’re verifying what I keep complaining about, that Greece is still interfering in Cyprus by funding/promoting “Hellenism”, and that the RoC government is an accessory to this act by accepting this petty cash!

“Ethnicity” is nothing but a PRESUMPTION of shared history and common cultural inheritance and although it may sound innocent enough, in the case of Cyprus it has taken catastrophic proportions to the point of threatening the very existence of native Cypriots …yet so many of you otherwise intelligent people are still oblivious to this fact!

[Paphitis]

The ROC will find it difficult to come down on these "fools" when for example: its leading the way in recognising the work Hellenic lobbies in the US, do for Cyprus.

Phileleftheros today lists some of the annual funding received by US lobby groups.

Patton Boggs Annual Amount of $1,243,500
The INternational Coordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus" $100,000
The group of Coordinated Effort of Hellenes in the US $300,000
The American Hellenic Institute $200,000
Cypriot Federation of the US $125,000

You’re verifying what I keep complaining about, that Greece is still interfering in Cyprus by funding/promoting “Hellenism”, and that the RoC government is an accessory to this act by accepting this petty cash!

“Ethnicity” is nothing but a PRESUMPTION of shared history and common cultural inheritance and although it may sound innocent enough, in the case of Cyprus it has taken catastrophic proportions to the point of threatening the very existence of native Cypriots …yet so many of you otherwise intelligent people are still oblivious to this fact!

Wow...That makes a lot of sense...if it were not the fact that the above committees and institutes are private affairs run by ordinary CYPRIOT citizens and have absolutely nothing to do with either Greece or the RoC....

[Get Real!]

Any “ethnic” ambiguity created and nurtured on Cyprus is a Greco-Turkish initiative… a selfish trap to rubbish our 10,000 year old country and promote theirs!

If they have a feud between them then let them go to war and fight it out, but it seems to me that instead of doing the honorable thing they both opt to destroy our country by selecting it as their cat & mouse battle ground!

We, the Cypriots must NOT fall for their traps and we must NOT participate in their games by REJECTING them both and asking the international community to help us get rid of this destructive dual-menace!

[Paphitis]

Any “ethnic” ambiguity created and nurtured on Cyprus is a Greco-Turkish initiative… a selfish trap to rubbish our 10,000 year old country and promote theirs!

If they have a feud between them then let them go to war and fight it out, but it seems to me that instead of doing the honorable thing they both opt to destroy our country by selecting it as their cat & mouse battle ground!

We, the Cypriots must NOT fall for their traps and we must NOT participate in their games by REJECTING them both and asking the international community to help us get rid of this destructive dual-menace!

Very simplistic and childish.

Greece does not occupy Cyprus and nor does it "use" it as her cat and mouse battle ground. If anything, both Greece and Turkey are forging new relationships based on cooperation and understanding.

It is time YOU concentrated on the one true enemy that occupies Cyprus with 40,000 troops.

Where do you come up with these weird ideas.

[Get Real!]

Any “ethnic” ambiguity created and nurtured on Cyprus is a Greco-Turkish initiative… a selfish trap to rubbish our 10,000 year old country and promote theirs!

If they have a feud between them then let them go to war and fight it out, but it seems to me that instead of doing the honorable thing they both opt to destroy our country by selecting it as their cat & mouse battle ground!

We, the Cypriots must NOT fall for their traps and we must NOT participate in their games by REJECTING them both and asking the international community to help us get rid of this destructive dual-menace!

Very simplistic and childish.

Greece does not occupy Cyprus and nor does it "use" it as her cat and mouse battle ground. If anything, both Greece and Turkey are forging new relationships based on cooperation and understanding.

It is time YOU concentrated on the one true enemy that occupies Cyprus with 40,000 troops.

Where do you come up with these weird ideas.

All it takes is for a bigger and stronger army to throw out these 40,000 troops you’re referring to as their occupation is PHYSICAL, but what will it take to remove many decades worth of poison from the hearts and minds of so many individuals like yourself?

Long-term detoxification may well be called for Paphitis, but does Cyprus have that much time?

Removing the Turkish army from Cyprus is a far easier task than reprogramming the sick minds of so many “Cypriots”!