www.talkcyprus.org

[Khan]

Quote: If the EU, which deserves much of the blame for perpetuating the Cyprus conflict, is not prepared to move vigorously to resolve it, then Turkey should try to force a resolution. Otherwise, it will watch its goal of EU membership die a death of a thousand cuts at the hands of Greek Cypriots...

Quote: ...Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has now to make a decision on whether to open Turkey's ports to Greek shipping without assurances on ending Turkish Cyprus' isolation. This is not only politically costly; it risks institutionalizing the Cyprus issue as a continuing sore in Turkish-EU membership negotiations. But Mr. Erdogan is a risk-taker and alternatively he can shake things up.

Quote: While making clear that he intends to negotiate a Cyprus resolution on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, he should hold firm on not opening the ports. If Mr. Papadopoulos and EU are not ready for real negotiations, Mr. Erdogan might announce that Turkey has no choice but to plan for a long period of nonsolution. His options include a serious economic development program to strengthen the Turkish side of the island. Mr. Erdogan could also make a determined effort to use his political capital in the Muslim world to gain recognition for Northern Cyprus. The nuclear option for Mr. Erdogan is a referendum on the future status of the Turkish Cyprus, with choices including independence or becoming part of Turkey...

Quote: ...Until the Cyprus presidential elections in February, Turkey should stick to its position: no relief for the Northern Cypriots, no opening of ports. If Mr. Papadopoulos loses, Turkey is likely to try to proceed to regular negotiations and conceivably will find it politically easier to open its ports and demonstrate their good faith for a negotiated solution. If Mr. Papadopoulos wins, Ankara will have to think hard about radical changes. In any case, Turkey's political transformation should not be sabotaged by the Cyprus issue.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119187933196252664.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

I found this article interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it believes nothing should obstruct Turkey's political reforms, including Greek Cypriot intransigence from within the EU. Second, the authors do not even raise the issue of property or land lost by Greek Cypriots when suggesting annexation to Turkey as a possible solution. This in my mind shows that at least to some people, partition really is becoming apparent as the only solution. Finally, like most observers of the Cyprus problem, Papadopolous is again held responsbile for taking Cyprus down shit creek without a paddle.

[Xenos 2Fan]

Khan wrote: Quote: If the EU, which deserves much of the blame for perpetuating the Cyprus conflict, is not prepared to move vigorously to resolve it, then Turkey should try to force a resolution. Otherwise, it will watch its goal of EU membership die a death of a thousand cuts at the hands of Greek Cypriots...

Quote: ...Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has now to make a decision on whether to open Turkey's ports to Greek shipping without assurances on ending Turkish Cyprus' isolation. This is not only politically costly; it risks institutionalizing the Cyprus issue as a continuing sore in Turkish-EU membership negotiations. But Mr. Erdogan is a risk-taker and alternatively he can shake things up.

Quote: While making clear that he intends to negotiate a Cyprus resolution on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, he should hold firm on not opening the ports. If Mr. Papadopoulos and EU are not ready for real negotiations, Mr. Erdogan might announce that Turkey has no choice but to plan for a long period of nonsolution. His options include a serious economic development program to strengthen the Turkish side of the island. Mr. Erdogan could also make a determined effort to use his political capital in the Muslim world to gain recognition for Northern Cyprus. The nuclear option for Mr. Erdogan is a referendum on the future status of the Turkish Cyprus, with choices including independence or becoming part of Turkey...

Quote: ...Until the Cyprus presidential elections in February, Turkey should stick to its position: no relief for the Northern Cypriots, no opening of ports. If Mr. Papadopoulos loses, Turkey is likely to try to proceed to regular negotiations and conceivably will find it politically easier to open its ports and demonstrate their good faith for a negotiated solution. If Mr. Papadopoulos wins, Ankara will have to think hard about radical changes. In any case, Turkey's political transformation should not be sabotaged by the Cyprus issue.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119187933196252664.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

I found this article interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it believes nothing should obstruct Turkey's political reforms, including Greek Cypriot intransigence from within the EU. Second, the authors do not even raise the issue of property or land lost by Greek Cypriots when suggesting annexation to Turkey as a possible solution. This in my mind shows that at least to some people, partition really is becoming apparent as the only solution. Finally, like most observers of the Cyprus problem, Papadopolous is again held responsbile for taking Cyprus down shit creek without a paddle.


These forums are in need of of some life. Looks like most people dropped off because of the Maoist managment.

[pg]

Khan wrote:
Second, the authors do not even raise the issue of property or land lost by Greek Cypriots when suggesting annexation to Turkey as a possible solution. This in my mind shows that at least to some people, partition really is becoming apparent as the only solution.

How do you mean that the property issue is related to annexation?

[repulsewarrior]

I don't think partition can be discussed because of the security issues it will provoke amongst the interlocutors.

Sadly, i don't believe that Cyprus will ever be demilitarised. I believe our self determination revolves around the security of Turkey, as well as the security of all the interests in the region. As an optimist, I would hope that the supra militarisation would include headquarters for Humanitarian Affairs, beside the aircraft, radar, and nuclear weapons.

Like the deal with Britain, leasing to forces, such as NATO, the UN, and perhaps others will be a consideration, as Turkey's position stagnates, or as reform moves in a manner which is fruitful.

Certainly, great changes have to be made by the Greek Cypriot leadership. A demonstration of Goodwill on their part at this point is necessary, but Turkey and its representation must respond in a manner which shows grace. Confidence building among all Cypriots is a high priority. No settlement can sustain itself without the island dwellers' unified support.