Cyprus-Forum.com

[Hermes]

Once Turkish politicians calmly consider the consequences of the occupation of Cyprus and think about the real interests of their country, then they will discover that Turkey is currently facing five terrible dilemmas:

1. Turkey's EU accession and the continuing occupation of Cyprus cannot coexist. The accession process is virtually ended and this is devastating for Turkey. The termination of Turkey's EU process will have severe economic and strategic consequences.

2. The treasure of natural gas is a new ticking time-bomb for Turkey. It was not predicted because it was a godsend for Cyprus. The dilemma here is awesome: If Turkey continues the occupation, the TCs will have no benefit whatsoever from the gas, so how soon before they finally come to their senses? Who can guarantee that the TCs won't eventually turn against Turkey when the damage from no solution will be so huge?

3. Cyprus's EU Presidency is a huge blow to Turkish prestige. Cyprus will preside over the EU as a Turkish-occupied island. Another serious dilemma for the pashas of Ankara.

4. Maintaining a large occupation army outside its borders, and the burden of financial support of the pseudo-state involves a considerable financial drain on funds. This cannot continue indefinitely. Another dilemma.

5. As the years pass the economic costs for Turkey because of the occupation grow. You cannot grab by force the property of another without legal consequences. You must pay billions in compensation to the GCs for loss of use and destruction of their property for almost 38 years. GC lawyers will be preparing immediate legal claims against Turkey.

Given these terrible dilemmas, Cyprus must keep up the pressure in the current talks and make no further concessions. The pressure is on Turkey given its very real dilemmas.

Summary of an article In Greek by Spyros Millas: http://www.sigmalive.com/simerini/anali ... her/443727