Cyprus-Forum.com

[Gasman]

I've been reading this:

http://www.prio.no/Cyprus/Publications/Beyond-Numbers-An-Inquiry-into-the-Political-Integration-of-the-Turkish-Settlers-in-Northern-Cyprus/

It seems to say that the number of true 'settlers' is a lot less than most think it is.

Beyond Numbers also suggests that the discussion on the ‘settler issue’ would benefit from a distinction between those who are temporary residents (among them, numerous ‘guest workers’ and university students) and those who have obtained citizenship – and hence the right to vote – in the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC). While the ‘settler’ label only meaningfully applies to individuals within the latter category, the electoral lists examined for this report indicate that voters originating from mainland Turkey constitute no more than 20–25% of the total electorate in northern Cyprus. ‘Settler’ influence on politics in northern Cyprus is thus both less and less uniform than is often claimed.

[kurupetos]

I've been reading this:

http://www.prio.no/Cyprus/Publications/Beyond-Numbers-An-Inquiry-into-the-Political-Integration-of-the-Turkish-Settlers-in-Northern-Cyprus/

It seems to say that the number of true 'settlers' is a lot less than most think it is.

Beyond Numbers also suggests that the discussion on the ‘settler issue’ would benefit from a distinction between those who are temporary residents (among them, numerous ‘guest workers’ and university students) and those who have obtained citizenship – and hence the right to vote – in the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC). While the ‘settler’ label only meaningfully applies to individuals within the latter category, the electoral lists examined for this report indicate that voters originating from mainland Turkey constitute no more than 20–25% of the total electorate in northern Cyprus. ‘Settler’ influence on politics in northern Cyprus is thus both less and less uniform than is often claimed.

The author is called "Mete Hatay". Obviously he is a Turk and therefore I doubt his report is objective.

[londoner]

How will it be decided if somebody is a settler for repatriation to Turkey? It' not that easy we are probably into the third generation in some families of mixed Cypriot and Turkish families. There has to be some acceptance that everything cannot go back in time to pre-1974.

[DT.]

Priorities must be made first.

After the wishes of all Cypriot refugees have been satisfied, both the ones who remained in Cyprus and those that moved away and want to return...then and only after all these Cypriots have had their houses and land returned (or compensated depending on their wishes )can anything humanitarian be tconsidered regarding the settlers.

After we take care of our people both GC and TC then if some settlers have mixed parents etc can enter into a program where each situation is considered on a case by case humanitarian basis.

I will never accept the humanitarian treatment of 1000 settlers at the cost of 1 Cypriots rights.

[pissouri]

not to worry, the illegal settlers that stay, will get the first flight out of Cyprus to Uk and Germany to claim from the social benefits these countries have to offer. Problem solved

[Gasman]

There has to be some acceptance that everything cannot go back in time to pre-1974.

I agree. There is lots of talk about how the North of Cyprus has changed beyond recognition since 1974, but from what I am told, so has the South. In some cases beyond all recognition.

I doubt anyone is going to put Limassol and other towns back as they were pre 1974.

[Oracle]

Unfortunately for the Settlers, they arrived on the island after sovereignty of nations and Human Rights protecting original residents of areas, have been established! Therefore, they have no say in the matter (they should try taking GCs to courts if they object; I don't think they would have a leg to stand on!). Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law so they can carry on with their nomadic life style and board the ships taking them back to Turkey (I'm sure a few Greek's will loan their boats for this service, for free )

[B25]

Unfortunately for the Settlers, they arrived on the island after sovereignty of nations and Human Rights protecting original residents of areas, have been established! Therefore, they have no say in the matter (they should try taking GCs to courts if they object; I don't think they would have a leg to stand on!). Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law so they can carry on with their nomadic life style and board the ships taking them back to Turkey (I'm sure a few Greek's will loan their boats for this service, for free )

Only if Turkey will open her ports to greek shipping

Settlers out, Turkish troops out, return of the refugees to their properties no questions, carpetbaggers/scumbags ditched in the sea.

Only way for a solution. Oh, lest I forget, Turkey can take her guarantee rights and stick them up VPs arse.

[Viewpoint]

Unfortunately for the Settlers, they arrived on the island after sovereignty of nations and Human Rights protecting original residents of areas, have been established! Therefore, they have no say in the matter (they should try taking GCs to courts if they object; I don't think they would have a leg to stand on!). Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law so they can carry on with their nomadic life style and board the ships taking them back to Turkey (I'm sure a few Greek's will loan their boats for this service, for free )

Only if Turkey will open her ports to greek shipping

Settlers out, Turkish troops out, return of the refugees to their properties no questions, carpetbaggers/scumbags ditched in the sea.

Only way for a solution. Oh, lest I forget, Turkey can take her guarantee rights and stick them up VPs arse.

Thank you for supporting partition.

[cymart]

There are so many aspects to it,as all the postings have shown and I can claim personal experience of such a situation from my fathers family(not in Cyprus) and also from my wifes family-her father is from the Karpas.
Insisting purely on legal aspects will not solve the humanitarian and practical ones after so many years and I also feel inclined to agree that many of them would go elsewhere in the E.U. once they get citizenship.Like everything else about the Cyprus problem,it can of course be solved with flexibility and realism on all sides,but maybe that is too much to expect here?A good start would be an independent census to assess their true numbers and also perhaps a census among Greek-Cypriot refugees to see who REALLY would, over 35 years later, want go back to the Turkish Cypriot held area that remains in the north after a solution,assuming of course the whole island will enjoy E.U. rights and proper security,or who would prefer compensation or some other financial arrangement instead?