The best solution is...?

[stavrizatz]

There are a million proposed solutions for the Cyprus problem; so which one is the fairest???

I wrote a little book arguing which is the fair solution for the Cyprus problem, after long discussions I had with Turkish-Cypriot and other Greek-Cypriot friends. I also conducted a mini survey with a small sample which is not sufficient to make conclusions but I had interesting results that can bring an argument.

I found that about 50% Greek-Cypriots will like Cyprus to be united with Greece if possible, about 45% will like Cyprus to be united and independent on the basis of the 1960 constitution or other proposed models such as the Anan plan etc and 5% are the ones who prefer Cyprus to stay as it is because they wouldn't like to live with Turks. On the other hand the majority of Turkish-Cypriots that i have spoken to will like some sort of solution (it is not very signifficant to them because it is a win-win situation for them). However there are some Turkish Cypriots who prefer Cyprus as it is because they wouldn't like to live with Greek Cypriots or because they believe that a Greek-Cypriot majority will overule Cyprus and that scenario will disadvantage them.

In my opinion whatever happens, the importance of a solution is to have the issues resolved (refugees, settlers, army, brittish bases etc), have the people acknoledge the history and the mistakes of the past, and fight together for a better future, respecting each others human rights, and treat each other equally.

Then it is to find the ‘ideal’ model for a solution:
The most important proposed Solutions are:
Union of Cyprus with Greece,
A solution based on the Anan Plan,
A solution based on the Acheason Plan
The Union of the south part of Cyprus with Greece and the north with Turkey
An independent and united island similar to 1960
Other models

Now which is the fairest solution, the one that will satisfy the majority (democracy) or ....?

Personally I do not really care which solution will take place in Cyprus as long as the people who live there will be able to govern it and live freely. If I had to answer which is the fairest solution, in my opinion the fairest solution for both Greeks-Cypriots and and Turkish-Cypriots is Union of Cyprus with Greece.

How do I support my opinion:
-in 1950, over 95% of the population (including both Greek and Turkish Cypriots)(please provide proof of numbers) voted in a referendum in support of annexation, while the British sought to quell any movement which could threaten their possession of the island. (Source: wikipedia)
-There are Turkish people who live in Greece in the region of Thrace and haven’t been discriminated in any way. Therefore Turkish-Cypriots will have the same rights as any other Greek-Cypriot or Greek just like the Greek citizens with Turkish background (Source: a friend who studied in Komotini and experienced Greeks and Turks living together)
-Cyprus will be part of Greece, a larger nation which is able to provide greater security to Cyprus and defend its borders more effectively.

That is only my opinion so feel free to dissagree.

[Bananiot]

1. It was not a referendum, it was a joke. People were asked to sign a piece of paper as they came out of church.
2. Turkish people living in Thrace. Better keep quite on this one.
3. How long have you been living down under?

[cypezokyli]

hi stavrizatz ,

1. you should re - check your sources on the referendum. the Turkish Cypriots didnot participate
2. your sample , with the enosis figure (50% ) must have been signiicantly small....consider serious biases. could you share with us some information on your sample techniques ?

3. indeed, take care of thrace. things have improved significantly after 1990s , but still there are things to be done.

4. when we refer to models on the cyppro, it would be good if we stay in the sphere of reality. union with greece either as a whole or partly is really not an option....let alone will of the Greek Cypriots!!

[depurple]

Move Cyprus next to Malta!

[Kifeas]

[Donald Keogh]

[depurple]

stavrizatz
I don't really want to say this but I will:
You don't KNOW what you are talking about:
50% want to join Greece are You for real?
Cyprus is now part of the EU: So you and anyone else can kiss that long lost dream goodbye:
BUT then again:
You are part of Greece with the EU and will be part of Turkey when it is one day! part of the EU: So many Greeks who say they are Cypriots and many Turks who say they are Cypriots can live this warped dream:
I just hope that the true Cypriots don't have to suffer because of the backward thinking of some idiots:
As for the fairest solution: Simple:
1: No armies and goodbye in Cyprus:
2: Get rid of the Greek and Turkish Flags:
3: Also get rid of the people WHO do not consider themselves as Cypriots:
4: Open the boarder anbd everyone just blends in like every other civilized western country:
IN OTHER WORDS: EU Values!
In Australia where you say yopu live no one gives a shit about religion and language and ethnic background BUT the few who do are the ones causing the headaches LIKE in Cyprus:

Your comment?
-Cyprus will be part of Greece, a larger nation which is able to provide greater security to Cyprus and defend its borders more effectively.
EOKA B mate true and true:
Now I know why you knocked my comments:
Well EOKA B died and thank god for that BUT a few hang on to this like they do with their mother dress:
EU?Cyprus 2006 boy: That is where we are!
Crikey Mate!

[zan]

[depurple]

Zan you tell him:
The Turks of Thrace are treated like 2nd class citizens:
The Greeks treat the Cypriots as second class citizens: (Cypriot Donkeys):
Hey I even agree with Don on this one: BUT don I am 3000 miles away BUT not on the same time zone as stavrizatz that is for bloody sure:
As for security Cyprus will have the EU and NATO and I am sure that the UK will be there somewhere keeping an eye on its assets:
cheers STRAVOZATZ:
Erolz Translate!

[repulsewarrior]

stavrizatz, welcome. Thank-you for your attempt at promoting dialog, and I hope you don't mind the hackles of some, you have touched many with this sensitive issue. I don't vote in polls very often, but I voted in yours without hesitation.

The Annan plan is off the table. Much of the work which went into it is not lost however. The UN once again has been delegated with the task of finding a solution, which meets the criteria of Statehood, and membership within the UN, with the demands of each interlocutor to satisfy.

In my mind the Cyprus Problem will be resolved once Turkey is accomodated, regarding their security militarily from the threat that the island poses (geographically).

The Cantonal system which I have proposed satisfies this need by providing to these authourities free movement, and access, to the whole island.

The issue of municipality government, as well, is not workable, under the present Constitution, and it no longer meets the criteria for Modern States, by EU standards, therefore, the motive and impetus for this change, "Cantons" or "enclaves", is greatly favourable, and a focus for our Constitutional reform.

Politically, a line was drawn way back in the sixties, for whatever reason, this goal was acheived by the interlocutors, and it seems to suit their purpose. Therefore, the line must stay, but the geographic proportions must change, or they indicate Turkey's denounciation of Universal Law, leaving this State with the problems associated with totalitarian regimes, without a credible Rule of Law.

However, the issue of Right of Return in Cyprus, although painful as a concept, provides for an opportunity, if Turkey recognises the need for this kind of gratitude, from the affected, then they will demonstrate their commitment, to these Basic Human Rights.

Recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, will come from a bi-cameral legislature. Even as a child I found it unreasonable that the best man for President may not win because they are not a Grecophone. My proposal for this legislature was developed from the comments I have read in this forum, and I believe that it suits our needs because all citizens are equal in their voting power, and they all have the same choices to make, regardless of their ethnic origin.

We are committed, according to what is said by the leadership, to find a solution which is bi-zonal, and bi-communal. This does not mean two zones and it does not mean that the two communities are mutually exclusive. The geographic state which I define satisfies this criteria.

Your comments please.

[100%cypriot]

[depurple]

Hey 100% man NOT MINE!
Maybe he is trying to deify science by trying to live without a brain!
BUT as GWB would say:
"Isn't it Great living in a democrazy!"
cheers

[100%cypriot]

[repulsewarrior]

Who cares about stav's opinion, he takes the road which leads to education,...so be helpful, how do you know that this is not an attempt at dividing those with a similar problem (from a different point of view) and those that will choose to be tolerant and reasoned.

I couldn't care less if this is his opinion, just so long as the hatred that goes with a view like that, is abolished from their being. I do my best not to judge people, I choose to do this even if others choose not to this with me. Greek, Turk, or Taliban, such a person, one who speaks with words that are written have at least something, to learn from.

Stav, don't think of Turkey as the enemy, and you will not need Greece for its defense. Frankly, those Greeks sold Hellenism out, they failed, because they had been corrupted by their own greed, losing their influence in the regional sphere, losing the US bases, Turkey is the regional power, and the world is a different place, because of their blundering. Greece is the Republic of Cyprus's greatest ally and their influence with our membership into the EU is a great symbol of their support.

Cyprus can do better, however, defending itself, by providing to the 90 million Turks, one-tenth of the distance from Greece, and the greatest threat to their security, an ally, not against Greece, but from the destabilising influences in this world today.

I see the supermilitarisation of the island, as dep says, with our membership in NATO, and as a member of the EU with established links toward its security via Britain already, ...it is possible. Let's have the nukes on the island, but no one is carrying a gun. Offshore military HQ, for the UN and etc. for lease, if you will. You do know that all the worlds communication traffic crosses on our little island, and that our maritime and banking rival the largest in the world.

[s300]

The best solution is the 1960 constitution for a transitional period of say 100 years with UN peace keepers EU forces maintaining the peace nd acting as the five-O's then to a standard democracy when Cyprus will be such a multicultural society that and stupid ethnic divisions will be seen as archaic tribalism of which all humanity sgould be ashamed of.

Or maybe we can tow Cyprus to the pacific