Cyprus-Forum.com

[Murataga]

Just curious... has anyone upon attending this forum had a change of their views towards becoming more optimistic regarding the Cyprus problem? Or yet more directly: How many Greeks or Turks can honestly and without any concerns of ego say that some or any of their opinions changed in favour of the other side after their interaction here? I really would like to know and hear from them what it was the other side wrote that made this happen.

p.s. Don`t get me wrong; I am all in favor of democratic platforms such as this forum to discuss the Cyprus problem. However, reading the messages I can not help but wonder if we are continuously talking "at" each other instead of talking "with" each other.

[Eliko]

From what I have seen on this forum, I would submit that unfortunately the majority of contributers seem to take the stance of politicians, they constantly refer to the issues and proposals of the very people that created historic problems and are therefore ill-equipped to find solutions. The politicians would be unhappy were it to be otherwise
since it would negate their positions. I am sure that some of the comments levelled, one to the other, are genuine concerns based upon the knowledge they have gained from reading political literature and observing meetings of the elected few, it is therefore very difficult to form an un-biased opinion or change of stance.
Until we, the people who matter, can discuss differences on a humanitarian basis and get back to the days, not so long ago, when all Cypriots lived harmoniously together, we will all be subject to the same arguments.
The common people of this country will gain nothing, whatever the politicians decide, that is the true nature of all the proposals now under discussion.

[humanist]

Eliko I have enjoyed reading your posts and I say good on you for being a true Cypriot advocating for a United Peaceful and equal Cyprus.

[Murataga]

humanist, the question was if any of your opinions changed in favour of the other side after your interaction here... No use in buttering up Eliko, some one you already know to be sharing the majority of your views. No one here is against peace, but there are different views regarding partition, semi-partition or union.

I guess the number of replies received (and the fact that the received replies do not adress it) was the best answer to the question.

Cyprus issue will never be settled unless the two sides listen to the other and learn to make compromises.

[cypezokyli]

well my opinion changed. and i believe i ve learned a lot.

i wouldnt say "in favor of the other side" , but when confronted with the other opinion i try to understand why they hold it .... irrespective if i disagree..... in the process i realised that i had to think the same about my opinions. i.e. why to I hold those point of views ?

for example , if i believe that their opinions are pure propaganda , how can i be sure that mine are not ?

[Alexis]

guess the number of replies received (and the fact that the received replies do not adress it) was the best answer to the question.

I think you should give people a chance to reply first. After all you only posted this 8 hours ago!

Anyway, to answer your question I believe that I am one of those people you mention who has changed their stance or at least some of my perceptions of 'the other side' through my experiences on this forum. By listening to the more moderate TCs - and by moderate I am not referring necessarily to their views but rather the manner in which they convey their views - I have been able to begin to understand what their concerns are and where they are coming from. I believe the Cyprus Problem is one of trust and building it. Over the last 50 years the trust between the two communities has evaporated and whilst the partitioning of the island has effectively ended the violence it has had the effect of entrenching the mistrust more deeply than ever before. That is not going to go away overnight. Only by listening to each other will we gain each others trust. This is vital for the future of the island.

[Murataga]

Alexi and cypezokyli : nice to hear from people like you. Respects...

[MR-from-NG]

My participation on this forum has totally changed my view of the GC's and the Cyprus problem.

I came here believing there is hope for a settlement and peace on the island. That was about 9 months ago. I now know there is very little to no hope of this happening.

Although there are those that give us all hope that peace and harmony is possible (Miltiades,Andry,cypezokyli, Bananiot and a few more) sadly there are the others, perhaps the ones that really count and are the majority that make it clear that it is not their intention nor desire to share this island with us.

How can we ever have peace and harmony with people who consider us to be scum and subhuman.

[Piratis]

When I first came to the forum I was with the impression that Turkey was the one insisting on illegalities and that with TCs we could find a fair solution. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case.

Everybody can have an opinion, any opinion. This is why I support that in Cyprus we should not have what suits one or another, but base the solution on universally accepted principles and create a normal democratic country like every other.

Many times I have asked from TCs to choose the constitution of any other EU member or candidate member (including Turkey) for Cyprus.

Therefore I do not expect anybody to accept my own version and opinion of what is "right" and "fair" (except if somebody here will suggest that I wrote Turkey's constitution), but for all of us to accept what exists in other successful democratic countries.

Unfortunately the TCs believe that they can force in Cyprus what suits themselves on our expense, and that is a dead end. Everything after that is a waste of time.

[Sotos]

My opinion didn't change. TCs have some valid arguments on some things but those arguments do not excuse most of their demands.