1. The 28% figure initially discussed in the late 70s was HAND-IN-HAND with the 3 basic human rights that were conditions of the true Federation that Makarios accepted. In other words, TCs would administer 28% but half or more of the people and property within this area would be GCs, as GCs would have maintained all their properties. I would not have a problem with this arrangement.
2. Unfortunately, criminal GC leaders at later negotiations started to discuss restrictions on GC property rights in the TC-administered area WITHOUT demanding the respective reduction in the TC area. However, all such discussions were done behind the back of GCs and have been rendered null and void with the 2004 referendum, where GCs rejected this apporach, once and for all.
3. Thus, the only way forward is a reasonable compromise which might be found somewhere between 2 extremes which any objective observer will deem fair. These extremes are (a) True federation per (1) above i.e. 28% but all GCs keep their properties and (b) Full exchange of properties, so TC state is 12% of Cyprus, with all property owned by TCs. Any compromise/ "deals" to find middle ground should be done only by exchange and not compensation (as compensation is paid only by GCs and in any case noone can fund the purchase of say 16% of Cyprus and 45% of its coast).
4. The dilemma you and the Bananiots in this place are putting forward is ridiculous. There was a REASON that Turkey after 30 years of stating the Cyprob did not exist decided that it needed a solution. That reason still exists today and is explained in Birand's article mentioned in Politis.
Understand that IF Turkey will proceed towards the EU, then it will solve the Cyprob in a way that is ACCEPTABLE to the majority of GCs. On the other hand, if it will not, the best way foward for us is preparation for an armed struggle and forming alliances so that we are protected. Having an Annan-type "partnership" with a Turkey that is NOT entering the EU will be the end of us, because in such a case we will have given away the control of the RoC and got back nothing in return - and effectively become an unrecognised community heading straight for extinction.
You made your arguments in 2004 and are still bitter about the fact that 76% disagreed with you. Calling the 76% stupid will not make you right.
great post tony specially point one.Many people tend to forget that the 1977-78 agreements based the reasoning of a t/c state at 28-29% with the fact that after the 7-8%was given back to the g/c state that the remander of the g/c refugees would return under a t/c state in the north.
