Cyprus is it time to choose?

[Michael Donahue]

It’s time to choose

A COUPLE of weeks ago, the Turkish Cypriots columnist of Politis, Sener Levent, wrote about a meeting he had with a very influential Greek Cypriot. According to Levent, the Greek Cypriot said: “The best solution in current conditions is two separate, neighbouring states, with Turkey as the only guarantor power.”

The man used the following argument to support his position: “We lost the war. The defeated side accepts the conditions set by the victor and if it does not there is no agreement. This is what always happened in history.” Out of courtesy, Levent did not name his host, who would instantly have become a hate figure for the patriotic front and unanimously declared a national traitor.

Yet the point he was making about a two-state solution was perfectly legitimate and many Greek Cypriots would support it if it were ever on the agenda. In fact, many people, including politicians, support partition in private conversations. They openly say that they do not want to share power with the Turkish Cypriots but nobody dares to repeat this view in public because it is considered unpatriotic. It would mean signing over a large part of the occupied territories to Turkey, which is considered a betrayal of Hellenism.

Although some politicians have implied that partition was better than the type of federal settlement on offer, the subject was never allowed to enter public debate, not even after the late Tassos Papadopoulos had described it as the “second best option”. On June 2, EDEK’s honorary chairman Dr Lyssarides said in a speech to the party: “Yes, partition constitutes a real danger. But the (settlement) plans being hatched are much more repugnant.”

But, if partition is not as repugnant as the type of settlement that would be agreed by Talat and Christofias, why is it not supported as a viable option, by all the hardliners opposed to power-sharing and the demise of the Cyprus Republic? This would be the honest thing to do, instead of promising the perfect, ‘European solution’, which none of them could deliver. It is ironic that these fearless hardliners, who serve us heroically defiant rhetoric every day, cannot muster the courage to publicly support the two-state solution which they consider preferable to a federation.

Separation and two states is as legitimate a political option as a bi-zonal federation and people have every right to choose between the two. But for people to choose this must become the subject of public debate. We must stop deluding ourselves, that there is a third option as the hardliners have disingenuously been claiming. There are only two options and it is high time we choose what we want – like Levent’s host - and stick with it.

[Kıyal Eresen]

actually, as an indecisive person, question of how i will shape my future could remain as just a question like the others for me, but this time, considering what is best for the whole island, i do not hesitate to say that i root for partition. like you said in february Michael, i think we toddlers should look for some other way to figure this out, to reach out to our toys, rights...

maybe i couldn' t make myself clear in the meetings but, all i want is unity and peace, and i think that only way to do this is to equalize both sides in every way (maybe not with shared land -last thing i worry about- but in personal and communal rights). unity shouldn't be perceived as one government, because it is seen that it didn't work, so maybe we can look at unity from another side, where everyone on the island is happy, satisfied and can "exist" in every way, can voice his/her position and thoughts where the whole world can hear.

bi-zonal solution can happen in future (with different generations) but not in this one,in my opinion. should that be the case, there will be another (and more vigorous) conflict, which will take us back to (and further before maybe) the starting point (not that we covered noteworthy distance in this 50 years,though).

you asked us what we were ready to give up for what we want genuinely, i remember. honestly, i wasn't sure myself back then, but now i can tell you that i'm ready to give up land, never-ending comfort, safety and prosperity with strings attached, and most importantly, securing shield against the whole world, the big powers.

the thing is that how will this community stop deluding itself?? apparently, we can't even make correct choices when deciding who's gonna govern (rule, actually) us, and not to mention being sure about what we want ourselves. it will be difficult for this community to straighten up, but what's our voice and actions are for,right??

[Erdem Erturk]

The choice is tough. The problem carries moral, economical, political and even (to some extent) religious values for both sides. What does one propose as a solution? It is not a matter of scientific equation, one cannot add 2 to 2 to get 4 out of it... Or may be that's what we need to do. To downgrade this conflict into the level of politics only. Not to worry about morals, or economics or religion... But that is not very possible too... how do we get rid of the notions of honor, blood, pride, glory, money, and power? That's why the choice is tough... That's why politically viable solutions cannot be voiced in front of the public... In many years that passed since the emergence of this conflict, the ideas of blood, right, nation, and enemy were hammered into people's brains... How do we fix that? Of course, with the idea of PEACE. Everybody loves peace, don't they? Yes they do! But no one likes the idea of sharing what they think it is their RIGHT to have...

Erdem..

[costas]

This is a letter sent by a person to the Cyprus Mail Editor :


Two states are better than Swiss model

In reference to “The way to a solution” (Letters, May 31, 2009), Hans-Jacob Heitz favours a Swiss federalism solution to the divided island.

I am not sure this can work in Cyprus due to the historical animosity and mistrust of both peoples which goes back to 1571 when the Turks first arrived on the island.

I personally believe the Irish model of having two states on the one geographic area makes more sense. Today we have a Northern island and a Republic of Ireland and no one is pushing the two to unite.

What is needed here is land adjustments, compensation for lost lands or properties from both sides and eventual acceptance of one another with secure borders. As its stands, we Greek Cypriots control 63 per cent of the total area and the Turkish Cypriots 37 per cent. Prior to 1974 the Turkish Cypriots never amounted to more than 20 per cent.

I suggest a 70-75 per cent control of the overall area to the Greek Cypriots. In return recognition by the Greek Cypriots and the international community.

I do not think Turkey has the will to pull out 100,000 settlers and the 30,000-plus troops just to join the EU. On the other hand France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark and most EU citizens do not want Turkey in the EU and prefer a privileged relationship rather than full EU membership – thus there is no incentive for Turkey.

I truly believe both communities prefer to govern themselves than one another.

George K. Georgiou,
Melbourne, Australia

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2009

[Michael Donahue]

I am excited by the posting regarding this subject. Erdem, so great to have your voice as a part of this site. Kiyal, you are such a brilliant young woman and i know this is a huge struggle for you, and often times your responsibilities can overshadow your passion, yet do not let your voice diminish, please.

Why I posted this article for discussion, is related to what Erdem mentioned about politics. This article exposes something that I have suspected. There are many in the game of politics on Cyprus, that say one thing, yet they certainly will not admit in public the real reasons for their loud voice. They are a NO to everything, yet they block any kind of open public debate to viable options to protect their political skins. And many GSC political folk have no intention of wanting to include TSC in a bi-zonal government, and many TSC political folk have seen an opportunity to seize on community discontent to forward the notion that ALL GSC do not want a relationship with TSC.

From my time spent with Cypriots, and it is limited in truth, I have sensed a growing shift since 2004, in both communities. I know this is a generalization, at all levels, but I would like to share what i sense is happening. The letter writer Costa's included in the discussion demonstrated Erdem's request for ideas and potential solutions. I found myself considering the letter writer's proposals and would like to add to them in a moment.

Since 2004, I have noticed a steady decline on the part of GSC teens interested in the divide of the island. I am aware that i am meeting the "best and the brightest" based on requirements of program, yet I still sense this would be the likely case of teens from south portion of island, no matter the current economic condition with more nationalism fueling dissent in the less financially fortunate and public schools of south. The further one lives from TSC community, also seems to color interest and participation, with towns like Paphos and Limmasol becoming very euro in feel.

I also sense that many political figures in south, (and the nationalist in north), sense this as well. economic boom, EU membership, no to the Annan plan, distance from other community, internet boom, access to education in Europe, time, generational, in some cases lessening of hatred, seem to all influence this reaction to what I suspect is happening.

In the north, I sense a growing discontent among the TSC for the loss of identity, the no to the A Plan plan verses the TSC overwhelming yes, and the constant beholding to Turkey as well as the growing issue of disdain from the TSC for the Turkish nationals among them. I also sense the TSC may understand their very existence slipping away and ironically their steadfast public commitment to Turkish overlording, may insure their demise from the island. After the 2004 referendum, this "depression" over the results actually energized the TSC community to begin to speak from the domain of the future, and they simply began to "act" like a separate nation at an increased speed that resulted in a short lived yet influential economic boom, now collapsed, allowing for the inevitable, "we want those times back!" And many TSC politicos picked up on this, thus the back lash in recent elections and a party in power espousing partition.

Recently, I received a thoughtful email from a TSC BL, who went to a report created by a group of university students from USA who had spent two weeks on the island doing a research program. One of the items they reported was that in public, the GSC political people they spoke with claimed to be upset about the "Turkish settlers" but in private, reported they did not have that big of issue with the TS issue, and it was simply a point to debate. The GSC demonstrating, again, the domain of time they think from; the " past" as well as another example of a public, then private position at odds with each other. Our TSC BL friend was very surprised by this and realized he may have a bigger issue with the Turkish nationals on island then the GSC community.

I do not know where the administration/ government of the USA stands on Cyprus beyond we have a very large embassy there and that it is publicly declared that any and all negotiations must be between the two main communities. and that they stand behind a bi-zonal federatrion. (I point out two main communities as clearly the island is becoming more inundated by other groups. . .the store signs in Limmasol seems to have more Russian then my 06 visit, a Sunday morning stroll in old town Nicosia may as well be a colonial time Asian market, and Paphos can sound like the UK as well as a village in the hills above Kyrenia).

It is clear that the USA very much would like to see Turkey in the EU. I do not know why there is an interest in having Greece partake in anything as there is no evidence beyond military dollars. . .though the Hellenic tradition is strong for many if not most GSC, which would clearly be upheld no matter the results of negotiations between the two communities. I do not sense that the TSC, (I am stressing the Turkish Speaking Cypriot community) are as culturally bound to Turkey, yet they are certainly economically beholding with a large segment of the TSC population seemingly in servitude and a smaller, yet more prominent, vocal and educated group, taking financial/political advantage of the past 4 & 1/2 years.

As for the idea of "two nations" I do think this ought to be considered publicly and out in the open as a potential solution/option and I concur, with the original letter that established this discussion. There are only two paths. . .the third options amount to "more of the same" which could not be sustained, or the TSC being swallowed up into Turkey, (which almost all real TSC do not want, and union with Greece is out, and has been out for decades. (If only some GSC could get that!)

And two countries would be a solution full of potential sticking points and real issues to resolve. In all actuality, I fear for the TSC as a separate nation. . .I fear for them, as I suspect many so called TSC have already aligned themselves in a cadre of people bent more on lining their pockets, insuring their progeny and selling soul to outsiders.

Yet it ought to be considered.

So let me respond to the letter writer Costa's included, ( like me afar from the island), and his ideas.

I assert most GSC issues are issues of the past and that they think/negotiate from this domain of time. For the TSC, they have moved into a negotiation domain called the future. Neither one are better, mind you, I just think it is important to distinguish so both sides can consider the source of the others positions.

I would propose that a working group of GSC community leaders and TSC leaders, (including the new ruling party), consider partition in a public and transparent manner.

I would assert, major sticking points for GSC:

Missing persons
land and property compensation (biggest issue)
military presence of Turkish Army (2nd big issue)
immigration illegally through north
gas field rights & privileges
environment of island
movement of goods and services
north's relationship with Turkey
EU membership and privileges for north ( example: if North is established as own country, what happens to TSC student's ability to study in EU countries cheaply? )
shared services, like sewer, in Nicosia
relationship with Turkey re: EU if Cyprus issues resolved.

TSC issues:

RECOGNITION & Identity
land & property compensation including the GSC claims in EU courts.
relationship to Turkey and the Turkish nationals settled on island (including military presence)
Fear of return to violence with loss of Turkish military
economy. Can it be established without the support of Republic of Cyprus and without servitude to Turkey, (like Northern Ireland's past relationship to UK)
Can TSC expel the criminal element imported by virtue of casinos.
movement of goods and services and trade with Republic of Cyprus
illegal immigration and security cooperation with an EU country, Republic of Cyprus
environment of island.
movement of good and services.

I would concur with the letter writer from Australia. . .and propose a return of Verosha to Republic of Cyprus and possibly areas close to Morphu, like moving back the line to the river east of Pentageia, (returning the area to Republic) as well as the village of Angolemi and move line north to village of Pano Zodeia to create crossing and return that village to Republic , giving access to Nicosia quickly as well as sharing Morphu Bay with north.

I would also create crossings at Pergomas and Achna, and negotiate the land area now the north, (near Dali), to create a crossing at Pyrogi, and return Loguroukina to the Republic.

Also create a large crossing for vehicles at Agios Dometios to connect Kyrenia.

All of this would likely not come to 75% of land mass returned to Republic AND it would cause the opportunity for both communities to mix and mingle in ways that may result in outcomes that would clearly benefit the entire island. Much of the rural buffer zone will increase land use, though the island population may want to consider leaving much of the current buffer zone the way it is as habitat and park land. A joint effort of both island nations. I suspect the blocked streets of Nicosia will create a whole new set of issues.

Varosha would likely become a key melting pot, much like old section of Nicosia, for both communities and compensation, ( Varosha), would not be an issue as it would likely require complete new investments and industry, that would benefit the economy of that area and provide valuable employment for at least a decade for both communities.

As for areas around Morphu Bay and the small area just north of Larnaca, the current residents, would be given the choice to become instant citizens of the Republic or dual citizenship privilege's or financially accommodated to move along with compensation at 2009/10 prices unless occupied post 1974 division, and if so home and property conversations would be a bit different. (see below) Of course, any Turkish Nationals would have to first come under some other form of resolution.

Lost property and homes would be negotiated at an individual level with the establishment of protocol and prices reflecting the current market value and managed by an independent court and oversight committee. Major players to support this could be countries like UK, Russia, USA, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Syria, Germany, etc.

Republic would then recognize the existence of a separate Cypriot state in the north, ( and i would recommend something other then the Denktash inspired TRNC and in the spirit of cooperation and the future a new flag) and to insure safety, the Republic would design a 3 year plan to demilitarize the Republic beyond a navel presence, a small civil air patrol, ( mostly helicopters), and a well trained and well maintained mobile police force and a small but committed national guard coordinated with the navy and the civil air patrol. Money saved would be returned to the community to create industries in transportation, technology and the creation of the Republic as a leader in world education as well as confront looming environmental issues and the tourist industry. Young men, (and in this case, even women) would be offered a "leaver year" to perform community service, on the island or even abroad.

During this period, a cadre of GSC military, civil, political, and civic leaders would coordinate with TSC counterparts and plan for the likely, issues that would appear.

At the end of this three years, (and during the process) the Turkish Army would leave the island in a draw down fashion, while at the same time, train and equip a small navel and civil air patrol, national guard and police force made up of TSC.

Also, during this time, the Republic would begin to create relations with Turkey and Turkey would open ports to Republic ships.

At the end of three years, Turkey will acknowledge a new relationship to the island, that does not include direct military intervention.

The new government in the north will sort out the relationship of Turkish and TSC, on their own, with the Republic allowed to discern and design their own legal relationships to TSC versus Turkish, yet contingent on what the north designs. (I.e. in the north, all current residents are required to declare citizenship or remain "alien" and live as alien status or repatriate to country of origin and if so, Republic can create set of laws based on this.

Clearly the new country in the north would have to negotiate their own relationship with the EU, and other countries, etc.

Other possible ways to mix and mingle besides increased crossing, job sharing, legal status, education, quicker access to communities, shared village services at border crossings, (no longer buffer zone gates), would be visits to old religious sites. One idea proposed by a BL would have the Greek Orthodox Church, pay for the restoration of GO churches in the north and all the work be done by TSC. Also, the new govt. in the north would return GO churches to GO status if they were converted to mosques, and allow for GO clergy to maintain them.

The UK military basis will remain, (though possibly reduced) and provide a level of security for two decades.

Those are just some of my thoughts. . . but I am most happy that the possibility of two states is being talked about. I do think it is a time for the island population to choose, and I do see only two directions to decide on. One killing off the option of the other, yet then, the island population ought to be able to make an authentic informed choice and that can only happen by laying all of it on the table. Let that big pink elephant in the middle of the room to appear.

A last thought. . .the possibility of a two state is most likely dangerous for the small population of what is now called TC or TSC. . . be wary, awake, and informed. . .if the GSC (and the few TSC) of the Republic, were to support the negotiations of a two state, you will now have another decision; Cypriot or Turkish, I can imagine.