Cyprus-Forum.com

[Lit]

Mikkie, you cannot talk sense to arteriosclerotics. Interesting to watch "to sizitame" tonight at RIK.

Bana, when have you ever talked sense? I mean really, wtf?

[Bananiot]

Two and counting

[Lit]

Two and counting

Now, now, it does not count when your sock puppets agree with you.

[Bananiot]

Obviously I meant two arteriosclerotics. Use the dictionary, no one is watching.

[-mikkie2-]

Well, whichever way you take it, the net result is the same.

I would like you guys to explain to me how Turkey being blocked from the EU will make her beg to join? How badly does Turkey need the EU? The answer is not a great deal. She already has the customs union so trade is not really an issue, energy supplies are still going to come via Turkey. If anything Turkey and Russia could hold the EU to ransom in the future, particualry now that Russian and Turkish economic ties are strengthening.

Of course the mere fact that northern Cyrpus will continue to be flooded by settlers and continue to have an offensive army in no way safeguards our 67% of the island. In fact it puts what is left at risk. And if you think the French or the Germans or for that matter the Greeks will come rushing to our aid should hostilities break out then I suggest you think again. Perhaps the NG is much better trained with better weapons than it was in 1974 but its probably the same for the Turks.

So basically, a Turkey that is firmly anchored to the EU is what is required if we are to have any hope. Pushing Turkey away will destabilse things even more and if you think under these circumstances the balance of power would shift in our favour then I beg to differ.

One doesn't need to capitulate in order to get something that is favourable. It seems to me that the 'patriots' equate negotiating for a solution to capitulation. Well, that is not the case if we have skilfull politicians that can do what is right. In fact, I can well understand the stance of the 'patriots' because in the absence of any skilled politicians in Cyprus that can analyse, understand and manipulate the geopolitical scene in the region the only protection they have is to try to let things stay as they are!

[Hermes]

Well, whichever way you take it, the net result is the same.

I would like you guys to explain to me how Turkey being blocked from the EU will make her beg to join? How badly does Turkey need the EU? The answer is not a great deal. She already has the customs union so trade is not really an issue, energy supplies are still going to come via Turkey. If anything Turkey and Russia could hold the EU to ransom in the future, particualry now that Russian and Turkish economic ties are strengthening.

Of course the mere fact that northern Cyrpus will continue to be flooded by settlers and continue to have an offensive army in no way safeguards our 67% of the island. In fact it puts what is left at risk. And if you think the French or the Germans or for that matter the Greeks will come rushing to our aid should hostilities break out then I suggest you think again. Perhaps the NG is much better trained with better weapons than it was in 1974 but its probably the same for the Turks.

So basically, a Turkey that is firmly anchored to the EU is what is required if we are to have any hope. Pushing Turkey away will destabilse things even more and if you think under these circumstances the balance of power would shift in our favour then I beg to differ.

One doesn't need to capitulate in order to get something that is favourable. It seems to me that the 'patriots' equate negotiating for a solution to capitulation. Well, that is not the case if we have skilfull politicians that can do what is right. In fact, I can well understand the stance of the 'patriots' because in the absence of any skilled politicians in Cyprus that can analyse, understand and manipulate the geopolitical scene in the region the only protection they have is to try to let things stay as they are!

Who is advocating blocking Turkey's EU ambitions? Not Christofias or Papandreou. The fact is that a solution to the Cyprus "problem" is necessary for Turkey's EU membership. The ROC doesn't need to use any veto. Turkey is keeping itself out of the EU by failing to meet the membership criteria. Opening ports is one aspect. But a solution acceptable to G/Cs is another. If as you claim Turkey is not interested in the EU, then why are they even at the negotiating table? The truth is all indications are that they are still keen to join the EU and regard their continuing exclusion as a blow to their prestige, both diplomatically and economically. We have to use this situation to our advantage. I see no indication that we are about to abandon this strategy and I don't see where you are getting these indications from.

My concern is that Turkey will shoot itself in the foot and turn it's back on the EU because it regards the process as just too difficult and involves too many sacrifices. But that is their choice. However much we would like to see a modern forward-thinking, democratic Turkey in the EU, they still have a long way to go. They can't even get past the first hurdle that gets in their way...

[Bananiot]

Papandreou and Christofias have both publicly declared that they support Turkey's accession to the EU. Solution to the Cyprus problem will be a major step forward for Turkey's ambitions to join the select club. However, you have forgotten that in 2004 Turkey accepted the UN brokered plan for solution which was also supported by the EU. Then, a year later, in 2005, the late Papadopoulos signed a resolution that among else commended Turkey for her efforts to find a solution and asked Turkey to continue her efforts.

I think if it came to the worse Turkey will open a port and an airfield and will get the appraise of the EU. As simple as that. Where will this leave us? Then, who has ever said that solution to the Cyprob is a prerequisite for Turkey to enter the EU? This is just our wishful thinking.

As Tim pointed out in another thread, Turkey is making impressive openings at this very moment. Obama has consented, it seems, for Turkey to play a bigger and more important role in the area and the energy deals with Russia have strengthened the importance of Turkey.

Surely, anyone that thinks that Cyprus can block in any way the path of Turkey to its destined geo-strategic-economic role must have lost touch with reality.

[Kifeas]

As bad as it is to roar like a lion when you are a dog, it is worse to scare away like a mouse when you are a cat.

[YFred]

As bad as it is to roar like a lion when you are a dog, it is worse to scare away like a mouse when you are a cat.

Who? Why? When? Where?

[Bananiot]

And this from a man who wrote a dissertation on how much better partition is to an agreed solution! Hand in hand with the Denktashes.