Cyprus-Forum.com

[paliometoxo]

NICOSIA - - President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian said on Monday he could not make a positive prediction regarding the outcome of the intensive direct negotiations between the leaders of the two communities for a solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that the only way to change the situation was to oblige Turkey to change its stance.

He pointed out that, if Turkey did not change its stance, ''we cannot in any case comply with Turkey's conditions to solve the Cyprus problem, as Turkey is demanding,'' adding that in this sense ''the key is in Ankara.''

Garoyian said that ''if Turkey decides that it is time to alter its stance and comply with the acquis communautaire, comply with the principles and values of the UN Charter and resolutions, then a solution can be found, otherwise this situation will be perpetuated, unfortunately.''

Asked about the talks for a settlement, Garoyian said ''we do not view them with favourable prospects, if one takes into account the fact that Turkey's will to shift its stance is nowhere to be found.''

He added that the positions of the Greek Cypriot side were in line with the acquis communautaire and UN principles, and that efforts were being made to reach a bizonal bicommunal federation.

''This is an historical compromise,'' he said, noting that it the content of such a solution was important. ''We mean a functional and viable solution which will not lead to the paralysis of the state, a solution that will safeguard human rights and political freedoms, a solution that does not need guardians, a solution that does not need guarantors,'' he pointed out.

Replying to questions, he said the main issue was the content of the solution and ''this is the job of the political forces, the President of the Republic, the government.''

[Get Real!]

a second No would put the RoC in major trouble.

Nonsense! The RoC is a UN recognized sovereign nation and nobody can undo that unless the fools (Cypriots) do it themselves by signing on the dotted line of any undemocratic political arrangement.

[CopperLine]

Any BBF-type proposal would not be tolerated if it did not address the property question i.e, the restitution or compensation to GCs and TCs of real estate involuntarily vacated or otherwise expelled from.

That being the case a federation of two entities with a division of responsibilities and, especially, tax raising powers (this directly determines spending capacities and differences in public policy) becomes, in my view, less and less problematic. For key issues such as foreign policy (which basically means Europe) policy or national debt, policy is established at a federal level. On the other hand social welfare or education policy would be established at constituent-state level, for example.

This leaves the geographical division between the two entities as the thorny problem. Should it be 17%, 18%, 20% 25% 33% or whatever for the northern entity ? But I don't think that it is so difficult since to all intents and purposes full EU membership for the north will have the effect of reducing inequalities between north and south (though not class inequalities), and it will allow for massive infrastructural investment, EU regulation and standards etc. In other words, N & S will converge socially and economically even if not fully politically.

[Lit]

a second No would put the RoC in major trouble.

Nonsense! The RoC is a UN recognized sovereign nation and nobody can undo that unless the fools (Cypriots) do it themselves by signing on the dotted line of any undemocratic political arrangement.

Are you kidding me? World public opinion means a lot. We are contently reminded of the first NO vote. I think the RoC did did a pretty good job at explaining to our friends why we rejected the Annan Plan. A second referendum that ends up with a NO vote by the Greek Cypriots would truly be disastrous.

[Talisker]

Can I just check one thing? Do TCs expect to be within the EU should partition be finalised (or BBF for that matter)?

[paliometoxo]

blah blah no vote.. lets have a vote for enosis with greece with the turks and wonder why they say no and hold it against them every time and for many years later stop saying the same crap lit

[Tony-4497]

a second No would put the RoC in major trouble.

Nonsense! The RoC is a UN recognized sovereign nation and nobody can undo that unless the fools (Cypriots) do it themselves by signing on the dotted line of any undemocratic political arrangement.

If our leadership proves to be stupid enough to put to referendum a plan that is rejected by GCs, then the RoC will pay a steep price.

I am not saying it will be de-recognised or that the pirate state will be recognised, but a second No will give Turkey's efforts to "lift" the so-called and self-imposed isolation a big push, with the risk of Taiwanisation becoming greater.

[Get Real!]

a second No would put the RoC in major trouble.

Nonsense! The RoC is a UN recognized sovereign nation and nobody can undo that unless the fools (Cypriots) do it themselves by signing on the dotted line of any undemocratic political arrangement.

Are you kidding me? World public opinion means a lot. We are contently reminded of the first NO vote. I think the RoC did did a pretty good job at explaining to our friends why we rejected the Annan Plan. A second referendum that ends up with a NO vote by the Greek Cypriots would truly be disastrous.

I challenge anyone to reveal the doom & gloom they predict and to explain how it will come about.

[Get Real!]

If our leadership proves to be stupid enough to put to referendum a plan that is rejected by GCs, then the RoC will pay a steep price.

I am not saying it will be de-recognised or that the pirate state will be recognised, but

a second No will give Turkey's efforts to "lift" the so-called and self-imposed isolation a big push, with the risk of Taiwanisation becoming greater.

Without the blessings of the UN, in the form of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, NOBODY can deviate from international law on their own.

If and when Turkey manages to turn China, France, Russia, the US, and the UK, (permanent members) against Cyprus ALL AT ONCE, then and only then we’ll have something to worry about, but of course the chances of that ever happening are zero!

[Acikgoz]

Tali, good thought - "Do TCs expect to be within the EU should partition be finalised (or BBF for that matter)?"
BBF - of course as by implication 1 country.
Partition not mutually agreed - i.e. defacto recognised by some but not universally - unlikely. Expect a bit of Greece/Macedonia type wrangling.
Partition mutually agreed - yes.