Cyprus-Forum.com

[Piratis]

In the last few years the Turkish side has made several marketing moves in Cyprus. They have done nothing of essence, like returning Famagusta, accepting anything less than partition etc, but a lot of marketing that (unsurprisingly) it "amazes" their marketing advisers. (UK/USA)

I think it is time for our side to do some marketing as well. Here are some proposals:

1) On New Year to greet all Turkish Cypriots entering the free areas with flowers

2) Papadopoulos in his speech for the New Year to send his wishes to the TCs and wish them in Turkish language.

3) To visit Turkish Cypriots that are treated for free in the hospitals and to give them gifts.

4) To organize a big New year celebration called "One Cyprus for all Cypriots" where the leaders of all Cyprus communities - GCs, TCs, Armenians, Latins and Maronites will give a quick speech and wish that finally in 2007 we will have peace and people will be able to return to their homes.

The above are just some suggestions.

While I support the government, I believe that they are not investing in marketing at all, which is very wrong.

And the biggest marketing move for the future: Elect Karoyian as the next president.

I believe our government needs some marketing lessons. I hope they are listening.

[MR-from-NG]

Good post Piratis. All these are indeed doable and I for one would be very disappointed if Papa did not do exactly what you are proposing. well done Piratis.

[Rude Gal]

I think the ideas you have fall under the catergory called PR, or more correctly, spin (all show, no substance). I think PapaD is too far gone for this to rescue him and the current negative perception of GCs' on international arena. He needs some serious issues/crisis management!

Perhaps he should talk to Millwall supporters club - nobody likes them either, but they are proud of their status and even have their own lil song about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Piratis]

I believe you confuse the "international arena" with some circles within the US/UK. In Europe and the rest of the world, Turks are the ones who have the problem, not GCs. Haven't you seen the recent Eurobarometer poll that shows that only 28% of Europeans would accept Turkey in EU? (and this despite your aggressive PR campaigns that were assisted by the British and Americans)

And yes, what I propose falls in the PR category, the same kind that some in your side are playing during the last few years.

[mehmet]

I believe you confuse the "international arena" with some circles within the US/UK. In Europe and the rest of the world, Turks are the ones who have the problem, not GCs. Haven't you seen the recent Eurobarometer poll that shows that only 28% of Europeans would accept Turkey in EU? (and this despite your aggressive PR campaigns that were assisted by the British and Americans)

What you consistently underestimate is the position of Turkey in political terms.. Even those countries where the population have reservations re Turkey in EU have leaders who have to assess decisions on more intelligent criteria. Public relations battles are not just about the public in countries but about the political establishment. Take Merkel for example, what use has her anti Turkish rhetoric achieved since she was elected. Flowers at crossing points are good (but it will take more than flowers) and to be commended, I happen to believe they can have more effect by actions than any empty promises about helping the Turkish Cypriots

[mehmet]

And by the way, I definitely suggest Papadopoulos don't personally visit people in hospital, that is a public relations disaister waiting to happen with his history.

[Rude Gal]

Not sure Piratis, I think more & more countries that are the "rest of world" are differentiating between Turkey and Turkish Cypriots. The latter is definitely enjoying far more support from the Islamic and Turkic States to a growing range of people across Europe (journalists, MEPs, think tanks, across the board). And even if not direct support for TCs, European political support for PapaD is waning given how he has locked Turkey's accession to Cyprus with ongoing threat of veto. While he is entitled to do this, it goes against spirit of EU (consensus/compromise) and with so many threats in such a short period of time, I think his EU peers are pretty sick to death of RoC.

[cypezokyli]

dont know what it will take to listene to tpap speaking in turkish

[mehmet]

Oh and what are the public relations exercises of the Turkish Cypriot side?

1) opening the border

2) the public voting for a EU/ UN endorsed plan that took years to formulate

3) setting up a body to look at property issues

4) voting out the partitionist Denktas.

I think others can add more I hope participants appreciate the significance of these actions before thinking hospital visits and flowers will 'even' up the positive image of RoC.

[Rude Gal]

dont know what it will take to listene to tpap speaking in turkish

Ha ha! That really would be a moment to savour and a great PR story. Bring it on!!