Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

Now I do not support an independence referendum for Crete. They are deluded to think they can go it alone.

However, the voices of Cretan self determination are growing.

Since we have a number of democrats on this forum (YiaLoser, Kurupetos et al) then I presume they too will jump on this bandwagon and support a referendum for Cretans to have their say about their independence from Greece.

It was extremely touching to see fellow members care so much for the Scots, that I have no doubt that this is extended to Crete.

[Sotos]

Referendums cost a lot of money and they are made only when there seems to be a demand from a large enough part of the population (which can potentially be over 50%), like it was the case in Scotland. They don't make a referendum for whatever idea a small group of people might have.

[Demonax]

There is no desire for independence in Crete from Greece. Cretans fought hard to unite with Greece. And Cretans have found a way to preserve their identity and gain greater security as part of the Greek nation.

As this recent article for the New York Times makes clear.

The Cretans had fought hard for their freedom, but although they remain fiercely proud of what distinguishes them from other Greeks — mainly their music, their poetry and millenniums of history at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia — there is no sign that today’s Cretans seek autonomy.

A couple of years ago, as Greece’s economic crisis was deepening, the Cretan flag that flew between 1898 and 1908 began to appear on T-shirts, hats and even walls on the island. But today, with tourism surging and Crete’s economy recovering, the flag is seldom seen. It seems that too much went into the fight for union to start toying with the idea of separation now, however great the frustration with Greece’s woes. Also, Cretans are aware of their island’s strategic position, and the importance of its military facilities for the United States and NATO. Along with Greece’s membership in the European Union, this provides a sense of security...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/opini ... union.html

[Paphitis]

Referendums cost a lot of money and they are made only when there seems to be a demand from a large enough part of the population (which can potentially be over 50%), like it was the case in Scotland. They don't make a referendum for whatever idea a small group of people might have.

That's interesting because around half of all cars in Crete either display the Cretan State Symbol or their flag.

[Paphitis]

There is no desire for independence in Crete from Greece. Cretans fought hard to unite with Greece. And Cretans have found a way to preserve their identity and gain greater security as part of the Greek nation.

As this recent article for the New York Times makes clear.

The Cretans had fought hard for their freedom, but although they remain fiercely proud of what distinguishes them from other Greeks — mainly their music, their poetry and millenniums of history at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia — there is no sign that today’s Cretans seek autonomy.

A couple of years ago, as Greece’s economic crisis was deepening, the Cretan flag that flew between 1898 and 1908 began to appear on T-shirts, hats and even walls on the island. But today, with tourism surging and Crete’s economy recovering, the flag is seldom seen. It seems that too much went into the fight for union to start toying with the idea of separation now, however great the frustration with Greece’s woes. Also, Cretans are aware of their island’s strategic position, and the importance of its military facilities for the United States and NATO. Along with Greece’s membership in the European Union, this provides a sense of security...

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/opini ... union.html

Actually there is, and from a sizeable proportion of the island's population. They have even set up organizations about it and have embarked on a small campaign to achieve it.

They even paid the Telco to send every mobile phone a text message about their Independence. that would have cost a bit too.

Now I would have thought you would be the first to support them after your heart felt concern for the Scots.

[Demonax]

Actually there is, and from a sizeable proportion of the island's population.

No there isn't. I just quoted an article published this week by a Cretan journalist in the New York Times which states the exact opposite. It explicitly states that “there is no sign that today's Cretans seek autonomy” and it explains in detail why Cretans have little interest in autonomy.

Of more interest to a Cypriot is how the Cretan struggle for enosis with Greece solved two problems for the Cretan people. It preserved their unique identity and provided them with security.

The article is called CRETE FINDS SELF THROUGH UNION (ENOSIS).

Now there's a thought!

[Paphitis]

Actually there is, and from a sizeable proportion of the island's population.

No there isn't. I just quoted an article published this week by a Cretan journalist in the New York Times which states the exact opposite. It explicitly states that “there is no sign that today's Cretans seek autonomy” and it explains in detail why Cretans have little interest in autonomy.

Of more interest to a Cypriot is how the Cretan struggle for enosis with Greece solved two problems for the Cretan people. It preserved their unique identity and provided them with security.

The article is called CRETE FINDS SELF THROUGH UNION (ENOSIS).

Now there's a thought!

Do some research. You will see there are a lot who are disengaged from Athens and there is an entire movement who are advocating for a referendum. A movement gaining more and more support.

Once again, I thought you would be the first to jump on this bandwagon, but how was I to know that you're such an idiotic hypocrite!

On and on you go about the UK, but when the shoe is on the other foot, you FAIL MISERABLY!

[Demonax]

Do some research. You will see there are a lot who are disengaged from Athens and there is an entire movement who are advocating for a referendum. A movement gaining more and more support.

What part of “there is no sign that today’s Cretans seek autonomy” don’t you understand?

[Paphitis]

Do some research. You will see there are a lot who are disengaged from Athens and there is an entire movement who are advocating for a referendum. A movement gaining more and more support.

What part of “there is no sign that today’s Cretans seek autonomy” don’t you understand?

Obviously some do!

That is why, going by your concerns for Scottish self determination, you will be eager to support those in at least casting their ballot in a democratic way to settle this once and for all.

[Demonax]

Obviously some do!

You're getting desperate. A couple of people do not make an independence movement. In Scotland nearly half the population voted for independence.

As the above article by Nikos Konstandaras states clearly there is no desire for Cretan autonomy. In fact the opposite. Cretans have found their identity and security through union with Greece. That is why the article, published this week in The New York Times is titled CRETE FINDS SELF IN UNION.

In case you still don't get it, the Greek word for Union is ‘Enosis’.