Are Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and KRNI put in the same basket?

[Alexandros Lordos]

[Viewpoint]

So if we assume that there were 180.000 refugees (I'm not sure of official figure, so many figures have been quoted from 100 to 250 thousand)

With the return of land we potentially would have 90.000 refugees going back.(40/50.000 in Maras/Varosha)

Taking Alex's survey into consideration we can conclude the following;

27.000 would want to move and live in the north.
49.500 would keep their property but not look for residency in the north.
13.500 would sell up.

The above figures will of course be effected by other factors such as the issue of which properties may actually be physically returned so the sell up total will increase.

My initial thoughts are that the property ownership % is still very high in favor of Greek Cypriots, does anyone know if there are limits imposed in other countries with a federal structure?, but the residency seekers would not effect the overall balance and could be addressed if it reached levels that would cause a political imbalance in favor of Greek Cypriots.

But it gives us an idea of the volumes which imo are not that daunting.

These figures should be made more public and brought to the attention of both communities to help them understand what it actually entails when they talk about right of return and how many Greek Cypriots will actually live in the north.

Why aren't we educating our people on these issues? surely it will help them make a healthier decision when the time comes.

Any comments?

[Birkibrisli]

I think there is another way of describing this issue to avoid the confusion between right of movement and right of property: Right of return...

This is the crucial point without which there can be NO just and lasting solution.If everyone who wants to return can be accommodated,that will go a long way to heal the wounds of the past.Surely 27,000 people can be given the right of return without having the Turkish Cypriots shaking in their boots about losing political power,which we do not have at this very moment I might add.If we have a true federation with every Cypriot obliged to learn both Greek and Turkish,that will go along way to promote peace and harmony between the communities.An artificial BBF will not work in Cyprus.It will only fester bitterness and illwill and lead to more troubles down the line.If we must have a BBF lets make it as free and democratic as possible,to give everyone a good chance to develop as Cypriots and leave behind their ethnic origins (I am not saying forget,I say give less importance to!).I think Cypriots are capable and mature enough to achieve this,and the past troubles can be a positive light in achieving one nation/multiethnic status.

[erolz]

[Kifeas]

[Viewpoint]

[cannedmoose]

On this issue, can anyone shed any light on the period between 1974 and 1983, i.e. prior to the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. During this period, was there contact between the provisional Turkish Cypriot administration and the outside world? Or did the Republic of Cyprus authorise international closure of the ports immediately after 1974?

[Kifeas]

[bg_turk]

[Viewpoint]

[Kifeas]

[Viewpoint]

Kifeas did you hear Ali Erel will not be re-elected his term has now ended?

[Birkibrisli]

[Viewpoint]

[Kifeas]