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[CBBB]

Patriots are loudest when they are far from the storm
By Loucas Charalambous

A PHENOMENON very familiar to Cyprus – the super-patriotism of the overseas national – also appears have reared its head in Armenia.

Before the government of Armenia had even signed the historic agreement with Turkey, which would restore relations between the two countries and would put an end to almost a century of hostility, the Armenians of the Diaspora had begun to react.

People who live abroad always seem to be more patriotic than those living in the home country. They are usually against any idea of reconciliation, sticking to extreme positions and defiant slogans. In order to show off their own patriotic fervour, they frequently dispute that of their countrymen, who live in the homeland and whom they accuse of lacking a fighting spirit.

How does it happen that people who do not reside in the homeland appear more nationalistic and patriotic than those who live with and experience the problems?

The main reason is the absence of any risk or fear; it is inevitable that those living abroad feel much greater security as they would not be affected by an outbreak of hostilities. The person who feels secure is much more comfortable taking a hard-line nationalistic stance.

It is no coincidence that the most patriotic articles appearing in the Cyprus press are penned by Greek Cypriots who live in Greece, Britain and the US. And it is no coincidence that every year, at the conference for overseas Cypriots, the most absurd views about the Cyprus problem are heard.

The person who lives in Athens, London or Melbourne has no qualms about playing the big patriot, because he risks nothing. He knows that where he lives and the Turkish army could not reach him if a new bout of fighting broke out in Cyprus.

I do not think it would serve any purpose to mention names but a brief look at the articles published in the press is enough to show the patriotic superiority of Greek Cypriots living abroad. A Greek Cypriot, who lives in Athens and regularly wrote articles for Phileleftheros, on one occasion, suggested that we emulated the Palestinians and embarked on an intifada against the Turkish occupation army.

Did he mean that we would strap explosives on to children and women and send them to the Turkish position on the Green Line? I wrote that if he came to Cyprus and started an intifada I would follow him. Of course he chose to stay in Athens. He proposed the intifada only for us idiots living in Cyprus.

In the case of Armenia, we see that the most rabid reactions to the agreement with Turkey came from the US. From the safety of the US, these Armenians feel much more patriotic than their fellow nationals back home and have the luxury to describe the protocols signed on Sunday as “humiliating rags”.

In Cyprus, with House President Marios Garoyian as the spiritual leader, Armenians set up their own ultrapatriotic chorus before the agreements were signed, accusing Armenia’s president of something tantamount to treason. The funny thing is that a few months ago, Garoyian made a fiery speech against Turkey in Armenia’s parliament, giving deputies a lesson in patriotic values.

But it appears that they have got his number in Armenia and completely ignored his passionate patriotic views.

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2009

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.ph ... 8&cat_id=1

[insan]

In Cyprus, with House President Marios Garoyian as the spiritual leader, Armenians set up their own ultrapatriotic chorus before the agreements were signed, accusing Armenia’s president of something tantamount to treason. The funny thing is that a few months ago, Garoyian made a fiery speech against Turkey in Armenia’s parliament, giving deputies a lesson in patriotic values.

But it appears that they have got his number in Armenia and completely ignored his passionate patriotic views.

All of the statements of this man; Garoiyan, seems very aversive to me.

[barouti]

Not only is the article a generalization but its author is so blinkered on the subject he fails to see the advantages of a strong and proud Diaspora especially for Cyprus.

It’s important that there exists a strong and very vocal patriotic voice in the Diaspora, may it be Greek or Turkish or whatever. They form pressure groups in their respective host countries and by doing so look after the interest of their respective mother countries. If they didn’t give a bar then you could be sure a small country, such as Cyprus, would really be disadvantaged.

A good example was the Omrans case, whose legal costs were paid by the TC’s and which included recruiting a high profile lawyer, Cherie Blair. And it was the apparent chest-beaters of the GC Diaspora in the UK whom rallied and fought to have the initial verdict overturned.

That's the benefit of having a patriotic Diaspora, Loukas.

[bill cobbett]

Many in the Diaspora of both comms will live under the best models of democratic and legal systems anywhere in the world. It should be unsurprising therefore that they will not accept second-rate, apartheid "solutions" for the home country.

[YFred]

Many in the Diaspora of both comms will live under the best models of democratic and legal systems anywhere in the world. It should be unsurprising therefore that they will not accept second-rate, apartheid "solutions" for the home country.

You mean like Britain, America and Australia. In Britain, we have a non-elected second chamber and head of state, In Australia, well there are a bunch of convicts not worth thinking about and in America, it's right wing or more right wing choice. That's what I call the "best system money can buy". Yep you are right.

Bill FFS, how can anybody outside of the country know better than the ones that live there? Please take your Eoka head off and put your thinking head on please.

[bill cobbett]

.. and another thing ...

Many, many in the Diasporas have a personal and very real interest in the property issue. Large tracts of CY are owned by the Diasporas.

Is Loukas also saying to us that the Diasporas will be treated as second-class by being denied a say, of being silenced, in what happens on this property matter?

[barouti]

You mean like Britain, America and Australia. In Britain, we have a non-elected second chamber and head of state, In Australia, well there are a bunch of convicts not worth thinking about and in America, it's right wing or more right wing choice. That's what I call the "best system money can buy". Yep you are right.

Bill FFS, how can anybody outside of the country know better than the ones that live there? Please take your Eoka head off and put your thinking head on please.

I actually agree with your summation re the US and UK. They definitely are hypocrites especially re the Cyprus issue, but they also need to keep up appearances. And it’s with these bipolar-like extremes both Greeks and Turks rely on for them to push our own agenda. It’s their hypocrisy that allowed the invasion as well as the continuing occupation. And it’s their trying to keep up appearances that we use to keep them from recognising the so-called TRNC.

But maybe Turkey could be a better example for the world to follow. What with an electorate divided between Islamists and secularists with their 1930’s Ataturk personality cult, as well as a General Staff prone to stage coups if they don’t get what they want. And let’s not forget the jewel in the crown of the Turkish wonderland, good old Article 301. Included under this shining example of free speech in the 21st century a la Turkish style, it’s against the law to criticize the 1974 invasion. I'm sure this has been the reason for many glees on Denktarsh's faca. And let us give a moments silence in remembrance to Dink, and what the ultimate cost can be for those who don’t say nice things about Article 301. But I’m sure someone like you Yfred doesn’t have to worry about that.

[Get Real!]

An article for Paphitis, Zan and some ohers!

Patriots are loudest when they are far from the storm

Poor Zanny, has never advocated a military solution… he’s as peaceful as they get! I’m the one who strongly believes in a military solution and I happen to be living IN Cyprus turning this article on its head!

[bill cobbett]

Not only is the article a generalization but its author is so blinkered on the subject he fails to see the advantages of a strong and proud Diaspora especially for Cyprus.

It’s important that there exists a strong and very vocal patriotic voice in the Diaspora, may it be Greek or Turkish or whatever. They form pressure groups in their respective host countries and by doing so look after the interest of their respective mother countries. If they didn’t give a bar then you could be sure a small country, such as Cyprus, would really be disadvantaged.

A good example was the Omrans case, whose legal costs were paid by the TC’s and which included recruiting a high profile lawyer, Cherie Blair. And it was the apparent chest-beaters of the GC Diaspora in the UK whom rallied and fought to have the initial verdict overturned.

That's the benefit of having a patriotic Diaspora, Loukas.

Yes quite, perhaps this Appeaser Loogas chap wants to see an Article 301 brought in to silence the Diasporas.

Article 301 to be a cornerstone of the New CY Constitution !!!!

[YFred]

You mean like Britain, America and Australia. In Britain, we have a non-elected second chamber and head of state, In Australia, well there are a bunch of convicts not worth thinking about and in America, it's right wing or more right wing choice. That's what I call the "best system money can buy". Yep you are right.

Bill FFS, how can anybody outside of the country know better than the ones that live there? Please take your Eoka head off and put your thinking head on please.

I actually agree with your summation re the US and UK. They definitely are hypocrites especially re the Cyprus issue, but they also need to keep up appearances. And it’s with these bipolar-like extremes both Greeks and Turks rely on for them to push our own agenda. It’s their hypocrisy that allowed the invasion as well as the continuing occupation. And it’s their trying to keep up appearances that we use to keep them from recognising the so-called TRNC.

But maybe Turkey could be a better example for the world to follow. What with an electorate divided between Islamists and secularists with their 1930’s Ataturk personality cult, as well as a General Staff prone to stage coups if they don’t get what they want. And let’s not forget the jewel in the crown of the Turkish wonderland, good old Article 301. Included under this shining example of free speech in the 21st century a la Turkish style, it’s against the law to criticize the 1974 invasion. I'm sure this has been the reason for many glees on Denktarsh's faca. And let us give a moments silence in remembrance to Dink, and what the ultimate cost can be for those who don’t say nice things about Article 301. But I’m sure someone like you Yfred doesn’t have to worry about that.

On the contrary, here is a song sung by the best Anatolian band (who spent most of their 20 year career in jail for their outspokenness) about Dink. Rome was not built in a day and you cannot bite the hand that feeds you, it is called practical politics. I can see very clearly what Turkey has done and is doing, but we are not in a position to criticise those who saved us from being murdered by those who followed in the footsteps of you idle. When we save TCs we will turn our attention to the Turks.

Degenis my arse.


Enjoy the song written against the fascist like you.