Our View: When will we have a president who takes responsibility for his actions?

 https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/30/our-view-when-will-we-have-a-president-who-takes-responsibility-for-his-actions/

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Indeed, the question becomes: Who represents Cypriots, as Cypriots? Where is this Identity demonstrated?

I remember Mr Anastasiades' first inaugural speech, where Cyprus and its identity was placed above any other. Since then i have watched this man struggle, as President having to wear two Hats. What remains for Greek Cypriots to decide about, and for themselves, is "who" they are: "Greek" because they follow some dogma (of "Greekness") which excludes all others, or as Cypriots join with Turkish Cypriots who are facing the same threat of "Turkishness".

Where is the Communal Chamber, and (at this other level of Government) where is a Greek Constituency, as a Cypriot Constituency, as Persons an equal to a Turkish Constituency? I ask the President, what could be better for Cyprus, if he was free to act, and to be seen to act, for Cypriots, Individuals who seek to defend Universal Principals and their values as their own? Must he be representing "Greeks" just because he is Greek?

...to "be" Cypriot, has no shame compared to "Them".

Indeed, as Cypriots let's remember who "Their" victims were; not each other for the most part but those not "Them". No solution, no resolution can be found without this acknowledgement from "us".

The war against Cyprus.

 https://www.cyprus-forum.com/cyprus47263-30.html#p909575

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...even if Makarios was wrong believing in Enosis, he changed. And if Denktash was more sincere about Cypriots having representation as well, none of "this" would have happened.

As such Anastasiades is failing us, unless he recognises who he is, the representative of all Cypriots as Cypriots, whether the island is (illegally) divided or not. He can have the Flag of Cyprus displayed exclusively when he speaks at official functions, but he does not, for example. He can withdraw from the question of Cypriot Constituencies entirely, so that there is no question as to which hat he wears. A Greek Constituency, representing such a distinct identity may do better at negotiating with Turkish Cypriots, in effect having the same needs from the State. They may even agree unanimously on all their issues, which would be a strong basis on which a Federal Government may Constitutionally speaking reform.

...as it is, Greek Cypriots are left without an effective way to express their own desires, while Cypriots as Cypriots, affectively, have no representation at all.

Our View: Our leaders paved the way for Varosha fait accompli

 https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/18/our-view-our-leaders-paved-the-way-for-varosha-fait-accompli/

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..indeed, a biting piece and bitter; something to think about, given the circumstances.

But, it is no longer up to our Leadership if they continue to define themselves, not as Cypriots, but as "Greeks" and "Turks". The People, half of which have for decades consistently voted as Cypriots, (the "Greeks" and "Turks" having their own candidates), are ignored. This much is becoming clearer, the People must speak for themselves.

...indeed, picnics are something Cypriots are good at. "Picnics" being the subject of our existential demise, as Cypriots, it will be no surprise if Cypriots, under the flag "they" treat as a rag, under the flag rightfully theirs, we will find them on the beach making souvla, together united peacefully, exposing those who won't join in their festivities.

Erdogan is practically begging for such a demonstration. And such a demonstration, Cypriots, the People, united, is Hope for Turkey, now that the same "Turkishness" is tearing its Citizens apart, and for the same reasons. They too need Constitutional reform, and in Turkey, such a notion, a BBF, is just as inviting. Also something to think about.

Cyprus marks anniversary of 1974 coup (updated)

 https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/15/cyprus-marks-anniversary-of-1974-coup/#comment-5457029591https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/15/cyprus-marks-anniversary-of-1974-coup/#comment-5457029591

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...that is not the point, dear friend. Ask the families of these dead and missing what they want.

We, can be Cypriots too. We, this island's dwellers can be more than just the "Greeks" and the "Turks" who fill our lives with the denial of their own shame. We can be ourselves as Individuals, because Cypriots exist, and they are not few; ask the voters these past few decades, both sides of the divide: don't the "Greeks" and the "Turks" have their own candidates? Such as it is, with what is held in secret, it seems the Leadership, our Leadership, ignores the People. Cypriots are in affect unrepresented, leaving them existentially speaking little choice but to speak for themselves.

...you MrH deny who you are, allegedly. Can you say Cypriot?

And if i were to invite you to join me on the beach for souvla, under our Flag, the one rightfully ours, would you join me?

Open letter addressed to President Erdogan

 https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/11/open-letter-addressed-to-president-erdogan/

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Cypriots exist. They are neither "Greek" or "Turkish". The reality is that they have no representation for themselves at the moment, divided as they are. Indeed, what do the "picnics" Erdogan has in mind provoke, in them, their leadership being so predictable? This is the question which i imagine will be answered soon, free of COVID, and the temptation of the beach, together as Cypriots eating souvla under their flag, the Flag of Cyprus, the one rightfully theirs, the one "they" treat as a rag, a chance to express themselves.

If Cypriots do not join against the existential threat, (and to expose the "Greeks" and "Turks" among them), Cypriots will be no more. If Cypriots do join together (taking back the word "enosis") it will change not only the politics of Cyprus, but Turkey too, being Turkey's National issue, giving Hope to them, the Turkish People, now torn apart for the same reasons by "Turkishness".

...pretty words are what Mr. Erdogan expects (from the rest of us). Yet, he would not be disappointed if in Cyprus we can define a BBF where as Individuals we are united in defending our Freedom, and as Persons our Liberty, because there is mutual respect and trust. A BBF in Turkey, under such terms, would be something to think about.

GOP Leadership Moving Party to Better See American Interests in U.S.-Turkish Policy

https://www.thenationalherald.com/archive_guest_columnists/arthro/gop_leadership_moving_party_to_better_see_american_interests_in_u_s_turkish_policy-2846402/

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...happy to read such opinion, in a well laid out and thoughtful piece.

Indeed, what was the Problem, in Cyprus, has grown more complex, and as a problem it has grown in its context to include the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole, and the Aegean.

One thing is constant, it is Turkey's National issue, and in affect it is a reflection for some, in Turkey, of their resentment toward the Treaty of Lausanne (and the Treaty of Sevres). This much is clear with Erdogan's push for "Turkishness" not just in Cyprus; so much so that Turkey herself for it, has never been more divided.

...let's not forget, that America is a BBF, where its Citizens are defined as Individuals, and as Persons having the Liberty to nurture their own distinct identities. (...whether as Individuals or Persons:) Intentions count.

Turkey, in my opinion, needs a united Cyprus more than ever, an example to emulate in its own (Problem, and) Constitutional reform. I see his "picnics" on the beach as a direct challenge, almost as though he is begging for Cypriots, as the People, essentially in defiance to demand change as a People, to come out peacefully and make souvla under their flag, the one that has been treated as a rag by those, "Greek", and, "Turkish", the Flag of Cyprus, the one rightfully theirs.

Such as it is, if the Leadership (read: both) continues to represent people on its own terms, ignoring what are election results, (that never less than half, in any election over decades one side of the "Green Line" or the other, always vote for such an Identity, as Cypriots), they betray a greater purpose toward Universal Principals and their own commitment to these values as Human beings. Pushed to these limits, Cypriots, indeed, may speak for themselves.

Frankly, i am still hopeful, what with the deadline a man like Mr. Erdogan would like to keep, what with Turkey's Centennial in two years. What with Turkey's tarnished image internationally, what with the Legacy he may leave as a Statesman, if, not just in Cyprus the Problem's root, but at home and with his neighbours, he made Peace.

Our View: Greek Cypriot side is on its own over Varosha

 https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/07/07/our-view-greek-cypriot-side-is-on-its-own-over-varosha/#comment-5446720015

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Cypriots have been on their own for decades, since divided as "Greeks" and "Turks". Clearly, their representation as such has not proven to be successful, for Cypriots.

Indeed, that such an insult as another "picnic" will be met with more words, the actions remain in the hands of the People. And it is the People who will in the end defend themselves with their own picnics on the beach that's theirs.

...it is like Erdogan is begging for it; a sign, that Cypriots do exist, beyond a Leadership that stands for "others".

Turkish-Cypriot Leader Demands Recognition for Occupied Side

https://www.thenationalherald.com/cyprus_politics/arthro/cyprus_rejects_un_idea_for_self_governed_regions_on_island-2790544/ 

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Whether Mr. Tatar will agree to anything the "Greeks" may want is one question. Another is what his own constituency wants, where only half are "Cypriot Turks", the other half are Turkish Cypriot.

...this may become very apparent this summer if he and Mr. Erdogan go too far; Cypriots, the People, may have "picnics" too.

The opportunity is there for Mr. Tatar to have his two states, equal Cypriot Constituencies, but under one State, another level of government where Cypriots, not as Persons, but as Individuals defend their Freedom, rather than their Liberty.

If he cares to leave a Legacy bigger than the Cyprus Problem itself he can, by uniting Cypriots, giving Hope to the Turkish People themselves, with what "Turkishness" is doing to Turkey now, and what it is doing to Cyprus decades already; they too, seek Constitutional reform divided as they are: in effect as a State and as its Nations a BBF is most inviting.

...as it is Mr. Tatar's "self-governing region" is not a self-sustaining entity, nor is it independent; it is a misnomer.