Cyprus-Forum.com

[rawk]

Hi bakala

Did you post on the North Cyprus Biz site on 06/03/06?

Regards

rawk

[bakala]

Hi Rawk


what was the post Mate ?
remind me

[rawk]

Hi bakala

I won't reprint it in full but it was a sort of potted analysis of the future economic prospects for the TRNC with all the new developments.

rawk

[bakala]

yes i did

[Simon]

Simon

Let me spell it out for you as i think you are missing something which is very important. South of the Green Line is called the Republic of Cyprus you are correct it doesn't say anything in the name which suggests any link to Greece. So why do you call yourself Greek Cypriot??? You are a Cypriot, first and foremost, all be it with Greek routes which i'm sure to assume the Greek part was many generations ago in your family.

The Northern part of the island is as we all know is called the Turkish Repubic of Northern Cyprus. This does make reference to the Turkish Cypriot Heritage of people who live there. It is not disguised in any way.

There is absolutely no mention whatsover in just the word "cypriots".

Until generations become known as "cypriots" the problems on this island will continue.

Firstly, the RoC represents the whole island and not 'the south.' We call ourselves Greek Cypriot because that is what we are. I'm sorry but that isn't going to change, not for me anyway. I am a Greek Cypriot because I talk Greek, my religion is Greek Orthodox and my culture and past is and was influenced by being Greek. I'm not going to change this, and I do not need to, to reach a solution. For example, look at Canada, that country's ethnic make-up states that 28% are of British origin and 26% (or something around there) is of French origin. They often call themselves British or French Canadians. But that does not lead them into a civil war does it? No, but why? Because they are mature enough to know their differences, but also to respect each other and feel patriotic and united, why? Because they are still both Canadian. This is how it can be on Cyprus aswell. Our differences enrich us as I have said before. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. We don't have to forget our differences, or I don't have to forget the Greek part in Greek Cypriot, nor does Eric Dayi for example, have to forget the Turkish part in Turkish Cypriot. All that we need is for each side to respect each other's right to live in Cyprus as Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, and to respect human rights, the rule of law and proportional governance. Do you agree therefore that for the TCs to feel Cypriot, they should argue against the 'TRNC,' which makes reference to a Turkish state and come back to the RoC, which makes no mention of ethnicity. I do not buy the argument that they are afraid of what happened last time etc etc. I honestly feel this is an excuse by most to continue the illegalities. Greek Cypriots also heavily suffered last time, do you think we want a repeat? There is no military junta, no EOKA, no planned coup, so what is there to keep us separate anymore. 99% of people accept that enosis will never happen and I'm positive that the 1% who do will certainly not jeopardise new agreements made between GCs and TCs if they are fair - so there is no reason for the occupation to continue in my opinion.

I have only ever seen these flags in the UK outside foreign embassies, at sporting events when the country is visiting ie Cricket matches or at religous sights pertininent to that respective country.

You need to open your eyes a bit more then mate, because I see them. I do not take offence when I see them either. It does not mean anything. All it means is that, that individual is proud of his country of origin.

So why is the Greek flag flown at the crossing at Ledra, which part of Greece is that? The Turkish flag is flown at the Turkish side because the northern part could not survive without Turkey and all thought they claim independence we all know that they are not really independent. BTW I also dont agree with the flying of the Turkish flag however even you and many others tell the world that part of you island is under occupation by Turkey. What part of the Island is under the occupation of Greece?

Can you see the difference? If not i'll try and explain it in simplistic terms.

Have you ever thought that the Greek flag is flow there, perhaps out of defiance. Think about it, the Turkish army invade Cyprus, kick all GCs out of the north and call the North Turkish. So what the hell do you expect our response to be. We will obviously turn to Greece and play up being Greek, because mainland Turkey (the origin of TCs) have invaded our country. The Turkish flag is not flown simply because Turkey financially supports the 'TRNC', this is nonsense. They are flown because they feel Turkish, as the name of their state suggests - again you seem very biased on this issue. You have not considered the settlers. Only 45,000 of people living in the north are actually TCs. All the others are settlers, and they are and feel as Turkish as it gets. This is another stumbling block to the promotion of purely Cypriot, which you have not considered, as you are just considering the flags issue, which is not as important as many other issues which prevent us feeling Cypriot first. We are not under occupation from Greece, but while the Turkish army is there, it is obvious that we will try to include Greece as much as possible while the Turkish army is here. Isn't this common-sense? So again, I say, how can we forget about being Greek Cypriot when the TCs call their state 'Turkish.' The answer is we can't - because this works both ways.

The simple flying of flags is important, if memory serves me correct it was also part of the Annan plan that the flags of Turkey and Greece were not to be flown. It has a huge visual impact and pschological effect on the people who see it. The result is that Cypriots feel more Turkish or Greek than they do Cypriot.

LOL, what about the visual effect of looking at a state in the north that is called 'Turkish.' This is more telling than a flag. Do not make out that the TCs are under occupation. They are not. They want their state to continue or stealth partition through the Annan Plan. If they complained and protested and demanded the army to leave, this would put huge pressure on Turkey. But they don't.

If you look at any Cypriots you will see thier passports say "Republic of Cyprus" not Greece not Turkey. This is what your identity is. Cypriots do suffer from an identity problem which is fundamentally the one of the biggest problems of the Island.

I think you are missing the point. While the North is called Turkish, we will call ourselves Greek more, won't we? This is obvious, because this is like a retialiation towards the 'TRNC.' We cannot promote being Cypriot, until the TCs do the same. Otherwise, it is useless. Think of it this way, if all sides agreed on permanent partition, do you think the RoC will continue to be called the RoC. I don't. I think it will change its name to the Greek Republic of Cyprus (GRC). This can be avoided, the first step could be we promote being Cypriot as you say, by the TCs removing the Turkish part in their state's name. Second step could be TCs demanding the Turkish army leave. Then GCs can stop Greek interference in the Cypriot National Guard. Then we are rid of most major interferences. This could be the first steps to promote Cypriotness. Only after this could we consider the flags, because the other problems are much bigger.

[Simon]

Simon

Let me spell it out for you as i think you are missing something which is very important. South of the Green Line is called the Republic of Cyprus you are correct it doesn't say anything in the name which suggests any link to Greece. So why do you call yourself Greek Cypriot??? You are a Cypriot, first and foremost, all be it with Greek routes which i'm sure to assume the Greek part was many generations ago in your family.

The Northern part of the island is as we all know is called the Turkish Repubic of Northern Cyprus. This does make reference to the Turkish Cypriot Heritage of people who live there. It is not disguised in any way.

There is absolutely no mention whatsover in just the word "cypriots".

Until generations become known as "cypriots" the problems on this island will continue.

Firstly, the RoC represents the whole island and not 'the south.' We call ourselves Greek Cypriot because that is what we are. I'm sorry but that isn't going to change, not for me anyway. I am a Greek Cypriot because I talk Greek, my religion is Greek Orthodox and my culture and past is and was influenced by being Greek. I'm not going to change this, and I do not need to, to reach a solution. For example, look at Canada, that country's ethnic make-up states that 28% are of British origin and 26% (or something around there) is of French origin. They often call themselves British or French Canadians. But that does not lead them into a civil war does it? No, but why? Because they are mature enough to know their differences, but also to respect each other and feel patriotic and united, why? Because they are still both Canadian. This is how it can be on Cyprus aswell. Our differences enrich us as I have said before. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. We don't have to forget our differences, or I don't have to forget the Greek part in Greek Cypriot, not does Eric Dayi for example, have to forget the Turkish part in Turkish Cypriot. All that we need is for each side to respect each other's right to live in Cyprus as Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, and to respect human rights, the rule of law and proportional governance. Do you agree therefore that for the TCs to feel Cypriot, they should argue against the 'TRNC,' which makes reference to a Turkish state and come back to the RoC, which makes no mention of ethnicity. I do not buy the argument that they are afraid of what happened last time etc etc. I honestly feel this is an excuse by most to continue the illegalities. Greek Cypriots also heavily suffered last time, do you think we want a repeat? There is no military junta, no EOKA, no planned coup, so what is there to keep us separate anymore. 99% of people accept that enosis will not and I'm positive that the 1% who do will certainly not jeopardise new agreements made between GCs and TCs if they are fair - so there is no reason for the occupation to continue in my opinion.

I have only ever seen these flags in the UK outside foreign embassies, at sporting events when the country is visiting ie Cricket matches or at religous sights pertininent to that respective country.

You need to open your eyes a bit more then mate, because I see them. I do not take offence when I see them either. It does not mean anything. All it means is that, that individual is proud of his country of origin.

So why is the Greek flag flown at the crossing at Ledra, which part of Greece is that? The Turkish flag is flown at the Turkish side because the northern part could not survive without Turkey and all thought they claim independence we all know that they are not really independent. BTW I also dont agree with the flying of the Turkish flag however even you and many others tell the world that part of you island is under occupation by Turkey. What part of the Island is under the occupation of Greece?

Can you see the difference? If not i'll try and explain it in simplistic terms.

Have you ever thought that the Greek flag is flow there, perhaps out of defiance. Think about it, the Turkish army invade Cyprus, kick all GCs out of the north and call the North Turkish. So what the hell do you expect our response to be. We will obviously turn to Greece and play up being Greek, because mainland Turkey (the origin of TCs) have invaded our country. The Turkish flag is not flown simply because Turkey financially supports the 'TRNC', this is nonsense. They are flown because they feel Turkish, as the name of their state suggests - again you seem very biased on this issue. You have not considered the settlers. Only 45,000 of people living in the north are actually TCs. All the others are settlers, and they are and feel as Turkish as it gets. This is another stumbling block to the promotion of purely Cypriot, which you have not considered, as you are just considering the flags issue, which is not as important as many other issues which prevent us feeling Cypriot first. We are not under occupation from Greece, but while the Turkish army is there, it is obvious that we will try to include Greece as much as possible while the Turkish army is here. Isn't this common-sense? So again, I say, how can we forget about being Greek Cypriot when the TCs call their state 'Turkish.' The answer is we can't - because this works both ways.

The simple flying of flags is important, if memory serves me correct it was also part of the Annan plan that the flags of Turkey and Greece were not to be flown. It has a huge visual impact and pschological effect on the people who see it. The result is that Cypriots feel more Turkish or Greek than they do Cypriot.

LOL, what about the visual effect of looking at a state in the north that is called 'Turkish.' This is more telling than a flag. Do not make out that the TCs are under occupation. They are not. They want their state to continue or stealth partition through the Annan Plan. If they complained and protested and demanded the army to leave, this would put huge pressure on Turkey. But they don't.

If you look at any Cypriots you will see thier passports say "Republic of Cyprus" not Greece not Turkey. This is what your identity is. Cypriots do suffer from an identity problem which is fundamentally the one of the biggest problems of the Island.

I think you are missing the point. While the North is called Turkish, we will call ourselves Greek more, won't we? This is obvious, because this is like a retialiation towards the 'TRNC.' We cannot promote being Cypriot, until the TCs do the same. Otherwise, it is useless. Think of it this way, if all sides agreed on permanent partition, do you think the RoC will continue to be called the RoC. I don't. I think it will change its name to the Greek Republic of Cyprus (GRC). This can be avoided, the first step could be we promote being Cypriot as you say, by the TCs removing the Turkish part in their state's name. Second step could be TCs demanding the Turkish army leave. Then GCs can stop Greek interference in the Cypriot National Guard. Then we are rid of most major interferences. This could be the first steps to promote Cypriotness. Only after this could we consider the flags, because the other problems are much bigger.

[rawk]

bakala

I will post a response to your analysis on that site, some shrewd observations on your part.

regards

insula

[stuballstu]

Firstly, the RoC represents the whole island and not 'the south.' We call ourselves Greek Cypriot because that is what we are. I'm sorry but that isn't going to change, not for me anyway. I am a Greek Cypriot because I talk Greek, my religion is Greek Orthodox and my culture and past is and was influenced by being Greek. I'm not going to change this, and I do not need to, to reach a solution. For example, look at Canada, that country's ethnic make-up states that 28% are of British origin and 26% (or something around there) is of French origin. They often call themselves British or French Canadians. But that does not lead them into a civil war does it? No, but why? Because they are mature enough to know their differences, but also to respect each other and feel patriotic and united, why? Because they are still both Canadian. This is how it can be on Cyprus aswell. Our differences enrich us as I have said before. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. We don't have to forget our differences, or I don't have to forget the Greek part in Greek Cypriot, nor does Eric Dayi for example, have to forget the Turkish part in Turkish Cypriot. All that we need is for each side to respect each other's right to live in Cyprus as Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, and to respect human rights, the rule of law and proportional governance. Do you agree therefore that for the TCs to feel Cypriot, they should argue against the 'TRNC,' which makes reference to a Turkish state and come back to the RoC, which makes no mention of ethnicity. I do not buy the argument that they are afraid of what happened last time etc etc. I honestly feel this is an excuse by most to continue the illegalities. Greek Cypriots also heavily suffered last time, do you think we want a repeat? There is no military junta, no EOKA, no planned coup, so what is there to keep us separate anymore. 99% of people accept that enosis will never happen and I'm positive that the 1% who do will certainly not jeopardise new agreements made between GCs and TCs if they are fair - so there is no reason for the occupation to continue in my opinion.

Simon you seem like a sensible guy. I'm sure you will agree that the ROC is the only internationally recognised government for the island of Cyprus however as you and everyone else knows you do not represent the whole island as you can not impliment polices in the nothern part. Do you see the difference?
Canada is a good example, however it is only mainly French Canadians who call themselves as such other call themselves Canadians not British Canadians.They are patriotic Canadians first and foremost. You cant say you are a patriotic Cypriot first and foremost are you? So let me get this right, a family from Pakistan move to the UK in the 60's they have children and their children have children, born in the UK, who are Muslim what nationality are they? Are they Pakistani or are they British? they cant be both its one or the other. Please bare in mind they have British passports. I think you'll find they feel they are British not Pakistani.

If you read Bakala's post on the Turkish army you find that is true of how TC's feel. Whilst the Turkish army is in Cyprus there will never be another attempt at Enosis. You have already tried to exterminate them once they will not allow it to happen a second time.

H

ave you ever thought that the Greek flag is flow there, perhaps out of defiance. Think about it, the Turkish army invade Cyprus, kick all GCs out of the north and call the North Turkish. So what the hell do you expect our response to be. We will obviously turn to Greece and play up being Greek, because mainland Turkey (the origin of TCs) have invaded our country. The Turkish flag is not flown simply because Turkey financially supports the 'TRNC', this is nonsense. They are flown because they feel Turkish, as the name of their state suggests - again you seem very biased on this issue. You have not considered the settlers. Only 45,000 of people living in the north are actually TCs. All the others are settlers, and they are and feel as Turkish as it gets. This is another stumbling block to the promotion of purely Cypriot, which you have not considered, as you are just considering the flags issue, which is not as important as many other issues which prevent us feeling Cypriot first. We are not under occupation from Greece, but while the Turkish army is there, it is obvious that we will try to include Greece as much as possible while the Turkish army is here. Isn't this common-sense? So again, I say, how can we forget about being Greek Cypriot when the TCs call their state 'Turkish.' The answer is we can't - because this works both ways.

I'll re-iterate what i said in an earlier post. The self proclaimed TRNC is not independent of Turkey and not just on a financial sense. As you and fellow Greek Cypriots keep repeating that part of you island is under occupation by Turkey. You should know what i mean GC's keep saying it- under occupation. That occupier flies it flag which i also said i didnt agree with. There is no part of Cyprus under occupation by Greece so why the Greek flags? If its in defiance then do you think thats right. You tell everyone you are independent but you hide behind the Greek flag. The Greek flag at the Ledra crossing gives the impression of crossing into Greek territory, when the ROC flag should be there as it is ROC territory.
I beleive there is due to be a census in the North very soon and then the figures will be there for everyone to see regards settlers etc. At the moment you and everyone is guessing.

Quote:
I have only ever seen these flags in the UK outside foreign embassies, at sporting events when the country is visiting ie Cricket matches or at religous sights pertininent to that respective country.


You need to open your eyes a bit more then mate, because I see them. I do not take offence when I see them either. It does not mean anything. All it means is that, that individual is proud of his country of origin.

My eyes are open and so are my ears its just a pity that a lot of GC's choose not to open their eyes or ears and are blinded by selfishness and self rightousness.

Quote:
If you look at any Cypriots you will see thier passports say "Republic of Cyprus" not Greece not Turkey. This is what your identity is. Cypriots do suffer from an identity problem which is fundamentally the one of the biggest problems of the Island.


I think you are missing the point. While the North is called Turkish, we will call ourselves Greek more, won't we? This is obvious, because this is like a retialiation towards the 'TRNC.' We cannot promote being Cypriot, until the TCs do the same. Otherwise, it is useless. Think of it this way, if all sides agreed on permanent partition, do you think the RoC will continue to be called the RoC. I don't. I think it will change its name to the Greek Republic of Cyprus (GRC). This can be avoided, the first step could be we promote being Cypriot as you say, by the TCs removing the Turkish part in their state's name. Second step could be TCs demanding the Turkish army leave. Then GCs can stop Greek interference in the Cypriot National Guard. Then we are rid of most major interferences. This could be the first steps to promote Cypriotness. Only after this could we consider the flags, because the other problems are much bigger.

So its a one of these my dads willie is bigger than your dads willie things is it? They call themselves Turkish and in return you call yourself .......oh thats right Greek even though none of your island is part of Greece or occupied by Greece. Makes sense eh?

Cant you see that is the problem. You are not Greek, you may think you feel Greek but even the Greeks dont think you are Greek. The Turkish Cypriots are not Turkish, they know this. They dont feel Turkish, however as time goes on the feel more Turkish than Cypriot. Even TC's are not happy with settlers. In their own words they say that these people are "Different"

You will have more in common with TCs than you do Greek people and the TC's have more in common with GC's than they do Turkish people. Just because you speak Greek, and are Greek Orthodox church that is the only thing you have in common with a mainland Greek.

Here is a suggestion

If GC's and TC's can put aside their differences. Why not have a joint education system which educates Cypriots all the same? Have mixed schools were Greek, Turkish and English is taught. As these children grow up they grow up to respect each other and each others existence and culture. There friends will be from both sides but to them that becomes irrelevant. Then there maybe hope for Cyprus in the future.

[stuballstu]

Firstly, the RoC represents the whole island and not 'the south.' We call ourselves Greek Cypriot because that is what we are. I'm sorry but that isn't going to change, not for me anyway. I am a Greek Cypriot because I talk Greek, my religion is Greek Orthodox and my culture and past is and was influenced by being Greek. I'm not going to change this, and I do not need to, to reach a solution. For example, look at Canada, that country's ethnic make-up states that 28% are of British origin and 26% (or something around there) is of French origin. They often call themselves British or French Canadians. But that does not lead them into a civil war does it? No, but why? Because they are mature enough to know their differences, but also to respect each other and feel patriotic and united, why? Because they are still both Canadian. This is how it can be on Cyprus aswell. Our differences enrich us as I have said before. What a boring world it would be if we were all the same. We don't have to forget our differences, or I don't have to forget the Greek part in Greek Cypriot, nor does Eric Dayi for example, have to forget the Turkish part in Turkish Cypriot. All that we need is for each side to respect each other's right to live in Cyprus as Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, and to respect human rights, the rule of law and proportional governance. Do you agree therefore that for the TCs to feel Cypriot, they should argue against the 'TRNC,' which makes reference to a Turkish state and come back to the RoC, which makes no mention of ethnicity. I do not buy the argument that they are afraid of what happened last time etc etc. I honestly feel this is an excuse by most to continue the illegalities. Greek Cypriots also heavily suffered last time, do you think we want a repeat? There is no military junta, no EOKA, no planned coup, so what is there to keep us separate anymore. 99% of people accept that enosis will never happen and I'm positive that the 1% who do will certainly not jeopardise new agreements made between GCs and TCs if they are fair - so there is no reason for the occupation to continue in my opinion.

Simon you seem like a sensible guy. I'm sure you will agree that the ROC is the only internationally recognised government for the island of Cyprus however as you and everyone else knows you do not represent the whole island as you can not impliment polices in the nothern part. Do you see the difference?
Canada is a good example, however it is only mainly French Canadians who call themselves as such other call themselves Canadians not British Canadians.They are patriotic Canadians first and foremost. You cant say you are a patriotic Cypriot first and foremost are you? So let me get this right, a family from Pakistan move to the UK in the 60's they have children and their children have children, born in the UK, who are Muslim what nationality are they? Are they Pakistani or are they British? they cant be both its one or the other. Please bare in mind they have British passports. I think you'll find they feel they are British not Pakistani.

If you read Bakala's post on the Turkish army you find that is true of how TC's feel. Whilst the Turkish army is in Cyprus there will never be another attempt at Enosis. You have already tried to exterminate them once they will not allow it to happen a second time.

Have you ever thought that the Greek flag is flow there, perhaps out of defiance. Think about it, the Turkish army invade Cyprus, kick all GCs out of the north and call the North Turkish. So what the hell do you expect our response to be. We will obviously turn to Greece and play up being Greek, because mainland Turkey (the origin of TCs) have invaded our country. The Turkish flag is not flown simply because Turkey financially supports the 'TRNC', this is nonsense. They are flown because they feel Turkish, as the name of their state suggests - again you seem very biased on this issue. You have not considered the settlers. Only 45,000 of people living in the north are actually TCs. All the others are settlers, and they are and feel as Turkish as it gets. This is another stumbling block to the promotion of purely Cypriot, which you have not considered, as you are just considering the flags issue, which is not as important as many other issues which prevent us feeling Cypriot first. We are not under occupation from Greece, but while the Turkish army is there, it is obvious that we will try to include Greece as much as possible while the Turkish army is here. Isn't this common-sense? So again, I say, how can we forget about being Greek Cypriot when the TCs call their state 'Turkish.' The answer is we can't - because this works both ways.

[/quote]



I'll re-iterate what i said in an earlier post. The self proclaimed TRNC is not independent of Turkey and not just on a financial sense. As you and fellow Greek Cypriots keep repeating that part of you island is under occupation by Turkey. You should know what i mean GC's keep saying it- under occupation. That occupier flies it flag which i also said i didnt agree with. There is no part of Cyprus under occupation by Greece so why the Greek flags? If its in defiance then do you think thats right. You tell everyone you are independent but you hide behind the Greek flag. The Greek flag at the Ledra crossing gives the impression of crossing into Greek territory, when the ROC flag should be there as it is ROC territory.
I beleive there is due to be a census in the North very soon and then the figures will be there for everyone to see regards settlers etc. At the moment you and everyone is guessing.

Quote:
I have only ever seen these flags in the UK outside foreign embassies, at sporting events when the country is visiting ie Cricket matches or at religous sights pertininent to that respective country.


You need to open your eyes a bit more then mate, because I see them. I do not take offence when I see them either. It does not mean anything. All it means is that, that individual is proud of his country of origin.

My eyes are open and so are my ears its just a pity that a lot of GC's choose not to open their eyes or ears and are blinded by selfishness and self rightousness. Your contry fo origin is Cyprus.

Quote:
If you look at any Cypriots you will see thier passports say "Republic of Cyprus" not Greece not Turkey. This is what your identity is. Cypriots do suffer from an identity problem which is fundamentally the one of the biggest problems of the Island.


I think you are missing the point. While the North is called Turkish, we will call ourselves Greek more, won't we? This is obvious, because this is like a retialiation towards the 'TRNC.' We cannot promote being Cypriot, until the TCs do the same. Otherwise, it is useless. Think of it this way, if all sides agreed on permanent partition, do you think the RoC will continue to be called the RoC. I don't. I think it will change its name to the Greek Republic of Cyprus (GRC). This can be avoided, the first step could be we promote being Cypriot as you say, by the TCs removing the Turkish part in their state's name. Second step could be TCs demanding the Turkish army leave. Then GCs can stop Greek interference in the Cypriot National Guard. Then we are rid of most major interferences. This could be the first steps to promote Cypriotness. Only after this could we consider the flags, because the other problems are much bigger.

So its a one of these my dads willie is bigger than your dads willie things is it? They call themselves Turkish and in return you call yourself .......oh thats right Greek even though none of your island is part of Greece or occupied by Greece. Makes sense eh?

Cant you see that is the problem. You are not Greek, you may think you feel Greek but even the Greeks dont think you are Greek. The Turkish Cypriots are not Turkish, they know this. They dont feel Turkish, however as time goes on the feel more Turkish than Cypriot. Even TC's are not happy with settlers. In their own words they say that these people are "Different"

You will have more in common with TCs than you do Greek people and the TC's have more in common with GC's than they do Turkish people. Just because you speak Greek, and are Greek Orthodox church that is the only thing you have in common with a mainland Greek.

Here is a suggestion

If GC's and TC's can put aside their differences. Why not have a joint education system which educates Cypriots all the same? Have mixed schools were Greek, Turkish and English is taught. As these children grow up they grow up to respect each other and each others existence and culture. There friends will be from both sides but to them that becomes irrelevant. Then there maybe hope for Cyprus in the future.

[growuptcs]

stuballstu, what your asking for could of been done years ago if there was no outside interference. Even if we came down with our own constitution, fact is Turkey will always throw a banana peel in someones way to avoid a plan to get to that point. Fact is, Turkey always wanted Cyprus under Turkish rule, if not all of Cyprus, 37% of it.
Turkey could of came out with confidence building measures many times over the years, but always used the excuse that the Greeks are ignorant to the realities.
They have a case for that, no denying it, but if they are a nation(a superpower), shouldnt they be great, being a problem solver. They shouldn't of let the problem go on for more than 2 years back in 74. They knew time would only make things more difficult, but thats what they planned all along.
So to get past any issue, you have to dissect every aspect. The aspect of making over 200,000people refugees, without any restitution from back then, shows me and the EU that they really don't care about anyone but themselves. I call it selfishness, no matter what happened pre 1974.
Even the propaganda they threw in the papers all these years, they repeated the same smokescreen words that the Turkish people fell for.
Thats the first problem that has to get fixed first or theres no reason to move on. Then we can act like human beings.