deadline for Cyprus solution

[repulsewarrior]

Behind the hopeful news is the rumble of a war machine and the intransigence of extremists. Deadlines have been set, and preconditions have been made by Turkey without one word exchanged yet by Mr. Talat and Mr Christofias about a Problem which is theirs' to negotiate. We do not remember any longer the leader Rauf Denktash who was sited by every Secretary General of the UN over thirty years for causing insurmountable delays and for a lack of good faith in these negotiations. We ignore the illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkey, or the fate of one third of the island's population who have waited for decades as the displaced, cleansed, if you will, because of their ethnicity, for the Justice they hope Humanity can provide. The Annan plan which was so famously remembered for the negative votes of Greek Cypriots like a sword hangs over them, and Turkish Cypriots who support Turkey's aims seem to have the upper hand.

What is needed beyond the interlocutors demand for settlement is a Solution which demonstrates a commitment to Principals which better the condition of Humanity. We, the rest of Mankind, would be well served if this attitude by Turkey was ignored at least, or censured at best, in favour of the region's security rather than her own. A principled approach to conflict which recognises the inclusiveness of societies who respect the equality of Individuals, as much as the rights of these individuals as Persons is far better than the identity that Turkey has placed on this population: Christian vs Muslim, or "Greek" vs "Turk". I hope the world does not forget that Cyprus belongs to neither, Nationalistically, because its Heritage is much older and it belongs to us all. Cypriots are the stewards who have cared for this patrimonial wealth for Millenia under subjugation, exploited for reasons of their own by foreign powers. Cypriots who have tasted Freedom in this Modern Age for the first time in all their history seek to keep it, although it has been a rocky start. We fail ourselves if we do not recognise this fact, if we seek compromise, again, that suits the concerns of Turkey, which cannot demonstrate effectively their support for defending Basic Human Rights in their own country.

What happens in Cyprus is important, and if Turkey is to continue their denial of these rights in their own State we are all left in greater danger. The world divided Kosovo on ethnic lines and the circumstances are not at all the same. However, repeating such a solution in Cyprus, as is Turkey's wish, will lead to more intolerance, and the expectation that as adversaries the force of Armies decide the fate of people who become their victims.


http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=136649

...is Turkey provoking war?

[stavrizatz]

Turkey maintained the same attitude towards the cyprop since 74. No insentives to change unless they gaun some sort of benefit

[city]

I am wondering why the UN is replacing Michael Moller at this specific time, despite efforts from both (Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot side) to keep him in place....

(if the report that he finishes his term is correct)

[city]

the Cyprus Mail gave quite a straight answer: