Cyprus-Forum.com

[antifon]

Kurdish success in Turkey's elections
The Guardian 05/07/2011

NOTE: How does this relate to Cyprus? If Erdogan can't apply equality in Turkey between the majority Turks and minority Kurds, why do we allow him to preach "equality" in Cyprus? JUST WHO THE HELL IS HE? AND WHO THE HELL ARE HIS CRONIES AND "DEEP STATE" VULTURES PREYING ON CYPRIOT LANDS? end note

In all reports of the recent Turkish elections (Report, 13 June), why has there been so little coverage in the UK media about the significant success of the Kurds or of their continued repression by the Turkish authorities?

Because of a rigged electoral system, the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy party did not field candidates but stood as independents. Despite widespread "dirty tricks" by the authorities, including intimidation, threats, bribery and fraud, 36 Kurdish politicians were elected, nearly doubling the number of Kurdish representatives in parliament since the previous election.

There has also been little coverage in the UK media of the imprisonment of 151 peace-seeking Kurdish politicians, human rights activists, elected mayors and lawyers, nor of Turkey's denial of the use of the Kurdish mother tongue in education.

It is heartening to see Leyla Zana elected and back in the parliament. Following her election 20 years ago, when she made her oath in Turkish and then repeated it in Kurdish, she was arrested and detained for 10 years in prison. The Turkish prime minister, Recep Erdogan, would do well to read carefully her thoughtful court defences to all the charges that today she still faces.

The UK government has welcomed Turkey's role as a negotiator in any Middle East peace process, and supported its aspiration to join the European Union. It is time our government reminded Mr Erdogan that he needs first to make peace in his own backyard, and that if he continues to deny some 15 million Kurds their basic democratic rights, Turkey will never be accepted in the EU.

John Austin Former Labour MP
Bruce Kent
Lord Rea
Hywel Williams MP
Margaret Owen Barrister and director of Widows for Peace through Democracy
Prof Bill Bowring Barrister and research fellow, Human Rights Centre, Essex University
Christine Blower General secretary, National Union of Teachers
Jonathan Fryer Journalist and broadcaster
Dr Vicki Sentas Research fellow, school of law, Kings College London
Alastair Lyon Human rights lawyer
Joe Ryan Chair of Peace and Justice Commission, Westminster diocese
Dr Felix Padel Anthropologist and author
Nick Hildyard Policy analyst
Stephen Smellie Secretary, South Lanarkshire branch, Unison

The Guardian 05/07/2011

[humanist]

The British are hypocrites themselves and therefore support Erdogan. NO changes for the Kurds and no changes for the Cypriots

[antifon]

Linking the two issues and adopting this new tactic for unveiling the Turkish hypocrisy will produce positive results for both the Cypriots and the Kurds. It is just a stretch from the warning's wording above and it is primarily the Cypriots' responsibility to make the link more forcefully. It will be very embarrassing for Turkey and there ain't nothing the mild fascists can say. Let alone the fact that close to 20 million Kurds (their leaders) will like the idea of rights within RoT as Turkey supports for tCs in Cyprus.

You have to remember. 1960 "equality" was the response to a majority-minority problem. There exists such a problem in Turkey, unabated, since the 1920s. A similar "equality" or modified one is badly needed for Turkey as well.

Yes, the British are hypocrites. Any nation with power inevitably becomes so to some extend or another. So were the Greeks when they were powerful (e.g. Athenians in Milos, Alexander, etc.). The trick is to maneuver intelligently and exploit the weaknesses of the "giants". Isn't that what Cyprus did throughout its millennia old history in order to survive intact?

We [by 'we' I mean including every CF poster] cannot afford not to tell Turkey with every chance we get]:

if you are willing to grant a community right to the Kurds, then we will grant such right to the tCypriots. Else, each of us free to choose their own solution for addressing a specific area as majorities. cause if you think about it, gCs and Turks have common interests in their respective countries

It is the only way. If I can convince 100% just one of you (tous psagmenous) then it means we can slowly convince all Cypriots. Turkey will be forced to make her move on Cyprus soon and we need to bring this new parameter into the equation. Willing Europeans and Americans need ammunition. Let's supply them.