The Cypriot wrote:More nonsense from the Financial Turkeys...
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1854ac6e-9da0 ... abdc0.htmlAdvice for the EU if Cyprus talks fail
By Tony Barber
Published: September 10 2009 03:00 | Last updated: September 10 2009 03:00
Brussels blog (Tony Barber): Like it or not, the European Union faces the distinct possibility that the latest UN-mediated effort at producing a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus dispute will fail. From an EU perspective, would that be a disaster? Or just a bit depressing and annoying? Disaster is a strong word, but the consequences of failure would unquestionably be serious.
Talks between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been going on for the past 12 months, and the next round is due today - having been postponed for a week, because of a row over some Greek Cypriot pilgrims who were trying to visit a church in Turkish Cypriot territory.
Nothing much has changed in the Cyprus dispute since 1974, when Turkish forces occupied the north of the island in response to a Greek-inspired coup aimed at enosis, or the union of Cyprus with Greece. Turkish troops and settlers are still there in the north, but the Greek Cypriots control the internationally recognised government of the island. What is more, they secured entry into the EU in 2004. As a result, their 26 EU partners are virtually compelled to support them in anything related to the Cyprus dispute, even if some EU governments privately fume at Greek Cypriot behaviour.
Conveniently private, so Barber doesn't have to provide any evidence of this scurilous claim.Greek Cypriot public opinion seems to take the view that it would not matter much if the talks were to break down.
Barber "seems" not to know what he's talking about. Barber "seems" to be a poor excuse for a journalist.When the most recent UN-brokered deal was put to the two communities in referendums in 2004, the Turkish Cypriots approved it by 65 to 35 per cent, but the Greek Cypriots rejected it by a crushing 76 to 24 per cent.
Why do you think that it was rejected, Barber? Why do you think it was crushing? Because free Cypriots don't want their island reunified? What if they crushingly reject this article? Why would they do that? What are you going to do about it?The Greek Cypriots should stop being complacent,
While FT journalists should carry on talking out of their hat. Stuff you, Barber, stuff your rag, and stuff your complacency.however, and read the excellent report published this week by the Independent Commission on Turkey, a panel chaired by Martti Ahtisaari, Finland's 2008 Nobel peace prize winner. The report describes the current peace talks as probably "the last chance for a federal settlement". Put another way, if the talks collapse, the Greek Cypriots will be looking at a future in which Turkey's armed forces maintain a presence on the island for the indefinite future. Is that what they really want?
Is that a threat, Barber? Free Cypriots don't take kindly to threats. Stuff you, stuff the FT, and stuff your threats.A second unwelcome consequence would be that co-operation between the EU and Nato, so important for transatlantic relations, would continue to be blocked by differences between Cyprus and Turkey.
Oh dear, how sad, never mind. Why should Cyprus give a stuff about Nato? Where was Nato when Cyprus was invaded?Lastly, the collapse of the Cyprus negotiations could torpedo Turkey's bid to join the EU.
Oh dear, how sad, never mind. And don't tell us, Barber, the sky will fall down, and the sun will explode and the universe will end. All because of those naughty, naughty free Cypriots. Doncha' just love upsetting the FT?Here it is important that certain EU member states, above all France and Germany, which are sceptical about Turkish entry into the bloc, show responsibility. It would be all too easy to use the collapse of the talks as an excuse to punish Turkey and bury its membership aspirations forever. But that would be unwise. Holding out the prospect of membership is one of the most important levers the EU possesses to steer Turkish domestic reforms in a positive direction.
But free Cypriots must compromise on their rights and freedoms to enable this to happen? Stuff you Barber. And stuff your rag.If the worst happens, and the Cyprus talks break down, the EU must still keep alive Turkey's EU accession process.
Thanks for the advice, Barber. We'll decide, when the time comes, what is in Cyprus's best interests - and then let the EU know whether we want to veto or not.
Isn’t the answer for Turkey clear. Leave.
Isn’t the answer for the EU clear? Pressurise it to leave.
Isn’t the answer for NATO/UK/US clear? Don’t dare recognise the north and risk the ‘sovereign’ bases on Cyprus. For you can never quite rely on an unstable Turkey. The geopolitical boot is on the other foot.
Isn’t the answer for the UN clear? The Annan plan entrenched ethnic cleansing, apartheid and foreign military intervention. It could never be acceptable to free, European-minded Cypriots (then about to join the EU and now firmly part of it).
Isn’t the answer for everyone clear? Plucky Cyprus does not yield to threats and at last, justly, has the power. There’s no alternative but to give it what it wants. And what it wants is a unified homeland with European rights and freedoms for all Cypriots.
Isn’t the answer for the FT clear? Mr Barber, get your hair cut. For you clearly cannot see what’s staring you in the face.
I think that all Greek Cypriots should take it upon themselves to write to the FT and tell them what a bunch of ignoramuses they all are!
Boycott the FT!
