Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

Paphitis,

I do think that your reasoning is flawed. There are all manner of sensitive issues under the realm of the UN which -directly affect Cyprus. Cyprus needs a voice within the UN-SC and the conduit for this has been Russia.

Although Russia does have trade deals with Turkey, you'd be surpised as to how much Cypriot companies have invested in Russia - it amounts to billions!

And China is another conduit.

So either way, we could have supported the Rights of the Refugee in South Ossetia, especially since we have the same issue in Cyprus.

Also, I really find it inconceivable that Russia would stop being a conduit and a vital ally within the UN SC just because we voted in support of other refugees returning to their homes. Things are not that clear cut, and surely Russia would understand our predicament and would probably concentrate on other nations before it even notices us.

[Salamander]

After a rather heavy weekend I have to say I was shocked when reading this yesterday so much so I had to read it again today to ensure I have not got the wrong end of the stick.

Politics aside the fact remains that the global community should stand up and be counted when dealing with the issues faced by persons displaced by force from their homes and lands. There can be no moral arguement not to support these refugees and voice against the actions of the governments of countries who commit these illegal occupations no matter who or however large they are.

How can Cyprus then vote as they do? I'm at a loss to understand.....

[Simon]

After a rather heavy weekend I have to say I was shocked when reading this yesterday so much so I had to read it again today to ensure I have not got the wrong end of the stick.

Politics aside the fact remains that the global community should stand up and be counted when dealing with the issues faced by persons displaced by force from their homes and lands. There can be no moral arguement not to support these refugees and voice against the actions of the governments of countries who commit these illegal occupations no matter who or however large they are.

How can Cyprus then vote as they do? I'm at a loss to understand.....

Cyprus didn't vote!

[Salamander]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

[DT.]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

no...hence the meaning of the word abstention.

[Simon]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

Obviously not if they abstained.

[Salamander]

I am aware of the meaning of abstained but what I am having difficulty with is why ??????

To act with this response surley indicates that Cyprus has no stong opinion either way and is unable to reach a for or against answer so abstaines from taking a decision. I cannot believe this to be the case - what then, am I missing something?

If choosing an obstaning stance does that not add a vote in favour of the final outcome - Is Cyprus so sure the decision woud fall in the manner that would suit it without having to make a commitment either way?

Help please I need to understand.

[Paphitis]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

no...hence the meaning of the word abstention.

It is a refusal by Cyprus to formally recognise the right of return of other refugees to their ancestral homes in South Ossetia. At least it is very hypocritical, and potentially, it compromises our quest for justice.

I understand why Turkey would abstain, but not Cyprus...

[DT.]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

no...hence the meaning of the word abstention.

It is a refusal by Cyprus to formally recognise the right of return of other refugees to their ancestral homes in South Ossetia. At least it is very hypocritical, and potentially, it compromises our quest for justice.

I understand why Turkey would abstain, but not Cyprus...

Its nothing of the sort. CYprus did not vote in the matter of agreeing to the proposed timetable of the return of the Georgian refugees.

This was not a vote regarding their right to return.

[Paphitis]

But in abstaining did they not vote?

no...hence the meaning of the word abstention.

It is a refusal by Cyprus to formally recognise the right of return of other refugees to their ancestral homes in South Ossetia. At least it is very hypocritical, and potentially, it compromises our quest for justice.

I understand why Turkey would abstain, but not Cyprus...

Its nothing of the sort. CYprus did not vote in the matter of agreeing to the proposed timetable of the return of the Georgian refugees.

This was not a vote regarding their right to return.

That is not what is stated in the media:

CYPRUS is the only European Union member-state which did not vote in favour of a UN resolution that recognised the right of return of all internally displaced persons and refugees and their descendants to their homes throughout Georgia, it emerged yesterday.

Cyprus was among 78 countries which abstained from voting – 48, including all EU countries voted in favour, 19 voted against.