September 3rd.

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 14:48

Its official that this is the date for full scale talks to take place regarding the Cyprus problem,

Regards,

Paul.

paul90


Joined: 07/11/2007
Posts: 350

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 14:53

BBC news report:



Cyprus sets date for peace talks



The talks have been stalled since 2004

The leaders of the divided island of Cyprus have agreed to launch reunification talks on 3 September, the United Nations has said.



The agreement came after discussions between the leaders of the rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.



Talks have been stalled since 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected a UN peace plan which was backed by Turkish Cypriots.



The island has been divided for 34 years into a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south.



The announcement came after Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met for two hours in the UN-controlled buffer zone which divides the island.



Referendums



"The aim of the fully-fledged negotiations is to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem, which will safeguard the interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots," said Taye-Brook Zerihoun, head of the UN mission on the island.







He said any agreed solution would be voted on by both communities in two separate referendums.



Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern third, following a Greek Cypriot coup inspired by the military junta ruling Greece at the time.



Representatives from both sides have been holding discussions in recent months to prepare for formal reunification talks.



The opening of the symbolic crossing at Ledra Street in April - closed since violence flared between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in 1964 - was seen as a major confidence-building measure ahead of the talks.



The island's partition has long stood as an obstacle to Turkey's bid to join the EU.



The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, can still veto Turkey's accession.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 15:23

September 3 1939. There's a date to remember!

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:04

The declaration of the second world war?????

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:07

My 25th wedding anniversary.

brian24001


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 606

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:10

Dodger, the invasion on Poland.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:13

A truly significant day Paul. Bit boring reading through all these mate



1999

In the final report into the death of Diana,Princess of Wales, French judges blame the car crash in Paris in 1997 on the chauffeur, Henri Paul and dismiss all charges against the 9 freelance photographers who had been following the car on motorbikes.

1995

Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Hill Norton, backs claims that the British Government is covering up evidence of a UFO sighting in the south of England in 1990.

1978

At the Vatican in Rome, John Paul I is installed as Pope - but dies just 25 days later on September 28th.

1976

The US spacecraft Viking II lands on Mars after a journey through space lasting 359 days and begins sending pictures of the planet back to earth.

1966

British soldiers Captain John Ridgway and Sergeant Chay Blyth become the first Britons to row across the Atlantic.

1962

Opening of the Trans-Canada Highway - a 4,800 mile road from St John's in Newfoundland in the east to Victoria, British Columbia in the west.

1944

Liberation of the Belgian capital, Brussels, during World War II.

1939

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain forms an all-party War Cabinet with Winston Churchill as First Lord of the Admiralty.

1939

Great Britain, France, New Zealand, and Australia declare war on Germany after Adolf Hitler, refuses to withdraw his troops from Poland.

1939

In Britain, the formation of the Citizens' Advice Bureau - established to help people understand and comply with new rules and regulations that are introduced at the start of World War II.

1935

British speed enthusiast Malcolm Campbell sets a new world land speed record of 301.13mph in his Bluebird car at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in the United States - the first vehicle to travel more than 300 miles an hour on land.

1930

5,000 people killed by a hurricane in the Dominican Republic capital, Santo Domingo.

1916

Captain Leefe Robinson becomes the first pilot to shoot down a Zeppelin airship - during a German air raid on London in World War I. The airship catches fire after being attacked and crashes at Cuffley in Hertfordshire. Robinson is later awarded the Victoria Cross.

1914

Cardinal Giacomo Della Chiesa is elected Pope Benedict XV.

1879

Afghan troops massacre the British legation in Kabul - leading to the British invasion of Afghanistan.

1826

In Moscow, Nicholas I is crowned Tsar of Russia.

1791

The French National Assembly passes the French Constitution - formerly making France a constitutional monarchy.

1783

Britian finally recognises the United States of America by signing the Treaty of Paris which officially ends the American War of Independence.

1752

What should have been September 3rd becomes September 14th with the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar - named after Pope Gregory XIII. In Britain crowds flock through the streets calling on Parliament to 'give us back our 11 days'.

1651

Battle of Worcester during the English Civil War. Defeat for the Royalist supporters of Charles II by the Parliamentary army commanded by Oliver Cromwell.

1189

Richard the Lionheart is crowned King of England at Westminster following the death of his father, Henry II.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:23

Yes dodger.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:29

thats the european version. second world war started in 37 when japan invaded china.



sorry Bill, just feel in a pointless nit picking mood today

Chick-a-Dee


Joined: 16/06/2008
Posts: 342

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:30

ICP ... boring- yes, informative- very, get a life- definately! Hee hee !

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:39

No problem Mark.



What I meant was this - 1939 September 3rd



Great Britain, France, New Zealand, and Australia declare war on Germany.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 16:45

I'm trying hard Chick - a - dee. The medicine isn't working. I'm going to increase the dose, even though the doc would not be happy



You are right Bill

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 20:22

"the turkish Cypriot authorities say they intend to speed up harmonisation with the EU ahead of what they see as the increasing likelyhood of re-unification of the island"



If it came to a referendum in both communities which is what is being spoken about.How do you feel that the vote would go.I think that the greek cyps would go for the yes vote.But think that it would be tight on the turk cyps side.Whats your thoughts,

Regards,

Paul.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 20:46

Hi Paul



What makes you say yes to Gc's and a close for the TC's?



I can see the TC's voting yes, and a close call for the GC's? Similar to the Annan plan. Talat hasn't received too much resistence from his people, whereas Christofias has.



In any case, do you think it might be still too early to say? We do not know what the solution will fully look like.



It's great that people can vote. I think it was always assumed they would, but I had never had any confirmation of this.



For the every day person on the street, to vote yes the solution has to feel good to them. The solution has to ensure, that they feel that their lifes are going to be better than what they have now. Often though hopes and aspirations can't be fulfilled by the limitations of what a plan can actually achieve in reality. Many may still be disappointed after a conclusion.





Of course, there are some very tough negotiations ahead. Both sides have some strong lines which they say they are not going to back down from.

The TC's want an assurance of political equality and to maintain Turkeys guarantorship of the island.

The GC's want the right for their people to return to their land, for a substantial number of Turkish settlers to go home, to demilitarise the island etc



Both sides lay claims to territorial rights.

wackyjim



Joined: 04/06/2007
Posts: 760

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 20:52

Ilc



Don't think I will need to worry about being evicted from my villa just yet.....Plenty time for another Efes!!!!

Jo Valentine


Joined: 10/02/2008
Posts: 508

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 20:56

From Famagusta Gazette, 25th July 2008



Denktash: Christofias is no different to Papadopoulos



Rauf Denktash

By Nathan Morley 25.JUL.08

Rauf Denktash, whose intransigence and refusal to compromise have been blamed for scuppering countless initiatives to solve the Cyprus problem, has said that the process between the Turkish Cypriot leader Talat and President Christofias is not a new course.



The veteran leader added that he experienced 30 processes similar to this, which every time had been reflected as “a new process and a window of opportunity”.



Mr Denktash alleged that President Christofias is no different to former President Tassos Papadopoulos and argued that the two basic aims of the Greek Cypriots is to eliminate the “TRNC” and get Turkey out of the Island.



“Papadopoulos did not go away. He was the number one and became number two. Christofias was number two. He agreed with Papadopoulos that there will be no change in the policy and became number one. And he made the man of Papadopoulos Minister of Foreign Affairs”, he told Halkin Sesi.



Asked to comment on the fact that the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan did not meet with him during his recent illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus, Mr Denktash said his relations with the Turkish authorities could not be “cool” and added: “A Prime Minister being angry with this or that is something which I cannot understand. For example, I am fourth in the protocol."

- Copyright © Famagusta Gazette 2008

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 20:56

Mark,

I think that the gcs will be given a better deal therefore more will want it then not.And the opposite for the tcs.



Have one for me Jim,

Paul.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 21:36

Enjoy your effes and several more Jim. There is a long long way to go yet. Hopefully you and I will not end up tied in shakles together being marched by PP to the Nicosia courtrooms. If they do, hopefully the GC's will allow us a healthy supply of Effes for the journey



Interesting post Jo Valentine, if you look at Christofias history it seems that he has always held the GC position of wanting total control of the island. Has he changed his spots? It is possible. We can all become enlightened and challenge our own foolishly created paradigms?

More likley, he may not have changed his ambition but perhaps he has changed his means, playing a more tactful diplomatic game, dancing gracefully with the international community to achieve those ends, as opposed to the courseness and directness of Paps. Only time will tell if Talat has been duped.



Paul, I see your point. Compromises have to happen and better deals provided.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 21:45

Sorry Dodger I didnt realise you had started this one off and just posted something above! Please ignore!

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 21:59

Hi Dodger,



We shall both be staying at The Ship on that date!



Sounds like a lot of discussion, and much Effes ! One can but hope!



wyn.



(we can solve it even if Talat and Christophias cant. We are going to need black pudding I think!, bring The Yorkshire Pudding mix!)

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 22:03

Bradus,



Make it to The Ship with your good man, and the Black Tower is on me.!



25 years! Something to celebrate!



wyn (and The Lady Wyn)

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 22:22

What do you reckon the GC's will get Paul?

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 22:34

LOl Wyn you make me laugh so much!

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 22:35

Nami, the Special Representative of President Talat, in an exclusive interview, answered some crucial questions regarding the status of foreign property buyers.



According to Mr Nami, the property system will be similar to that outlined in the Annan Plan, and assured all foreign property buyers that they would not suffer any negative effects.







By Kerem Hasan



The Cyprus solutions process has been ongoing ever since the first meeting of President Talat and Greek Cypriot leader, Christofias on the 21st of March 2008. Following the formation of joint technical committees, there is a lot of speculation about the direction of the Cyprus problem, subsequent to various “joint statements” and “agreements” made between the sides.

In an exclusive interview with Ozdil Nami, he commented on the current solutions process, EU Law and the status of foreign and British property purchasers in Northern Cyprus. Nami drew attention to the fact that the rights of everyone will be safeguarded, and that any solution will be fully supported by the European Union, with derogations and transitional periods also being “recognised” by the EU and “embedded in the new settlement.”



Foreign buyer status

While asked as to the status of foreign buyers of property in Northern Cyprus, Ozdil Nami said that “the Annan Plan supported a property regime that was in line with international law, and sponsored by the United Nations. It was the product of many legal experts. The property rules in any new settlement plan will be very similar to the Annan Plan.”



Asked as to whether there were any developments on the issue of property, Nami said “the details on this issue are still being negotiated.”





Property regime stance

Whilst Ozdil Nami gave guarantees to foreign property buyers, stating that the property issue was being negotiated, he added “however we are not going to pretend as though no development has taken place in Northern Cyprus since 1974, I would like to reassure the British owners of properties in Northern Cyprus that the whole property regime, will be conducted in accordance with international law. This was the position taken by the Turkish Cypriots in the Annan Plan, which safeguarded their interests.”





EU derogation issue

Mr Nami also drew attention to the “primary law status and EU derogations on a Cyprus solution framework,” following Greek Cypriot attempts to turn the Cyprus problem away from the United Nations and into the framework of fundamental EU norms and values. Mr Nami said “there are many examples in the EU where there is a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and single international identity, which also was recognised under EU Primary law as being bi-communal and bi-zonal. Nami pointed out that the Belgian and Swiss models, were also bi-communal and bi-zonal, and were recognised by the EU.



“You will see that constituent states, cantons or federal structures in EU states are able to maintain their cultural identity” Mr Nami said.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 23:04

Oink, oink, Pink Pigs at 10 o'clock.



When the talk among TC's is that Talat is trying to throw the baby out with the bath water what do we actually expect!!!!!!!!!!



You have 2 Communisits appearing at a meeting to decide the fate of Cyprus, eeeerrrrmmmmmm we need a committee meeting or twelve first.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
25/07/2008 23:17

Hi CIS



I think you are prudent to be cautious.



"When the talk among TC's is that Talat is trying to throw the baby out with the bath water what do we actually expect!!!!!!!!!! "



I presume you are talking about the natives in NC. Are you talking about the concensus of opnion or small splatterings of TC's? It would be interesting to hear what they have to say, as I being in the UK can only draw from paper speculation. Presumably if TC's feel that way they are not going to say yes to Talats proposals?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 15:37

i think the tc's will go with the yes vote. what other option do they have? i think the gc's will only be a yes if they can have some sort of resolution regarding their property in the north. mainland turkish people are another big issue. maybe thats why the gov gave lots them kimlik cards recently. the turkish army will have to at least downsize if not go as well.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 15:51

I agree Firestarter

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 21:01

bhw,

In answer to post 19 no problem.Its a great topic for discussion the more the merrier,

Paul.



Mark,

In answer to post 22 i honestly believe if a deal is eventually thrashed out,the greek cyps will come out of it smelling of roses. A bizonal community,Bicommunal federation,with a single personality,a single citizenship,a single sovereignty.Not sure here but would the single personality be of greek origin.If so how can this be fair.What about an international personality to make final decisions.

Paul.

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 22:34

As usual the property problem will remain the stumbling block. The Annan plan was refused partly because GC properties were not returned to their lawful owners (according to many GC's and the EU) and by now its plain to see that the majority of GC's do not want compensation, as only a minority have made claims to the immovable property commission. Their reasoning appears to be based on a principle which is stronger than wanting to see an end to the Cyprus problem. I can envisage a very gradual reduction in the number of Turkish troops but I can't see an acceptable solution to the property issues. Anyone any ideas how this might pan out and what compromise could be made in this area?

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 22:46

Bradus,

Tha property issue is an absolute minefield and i dont honestly know how it will be resolved.I think the turkish troop issue is also massive and one that i feel will run and run.The french and the turks are hardly in bed with each other and it is no secret that they would love it if turkey were booted out of the eu.So how would that leave n.c.

Paul.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 22:52

Hi Bradus



Why aren't you sitting outside in a pub enjoying a nice beer on this gorgeous Saturday evening? I thought i would be the only sad one on the forum tonight.



The property issue has always been the stumbling block. If you look at the posting 'TRNC property guarantee', if the intention behind those two newspaper reports (msge 1 and 4) are true, then this would suggest that the two sides are way apart on the property issue and both have been negotiating in fairy land.



The best proposition I have seen was put forward by Erolz on the TRNC villa owners site. You can probably still find it there. Erolz has been conspicuous by his absence from that site (not that I go to that site very often, if at all recently). I suspect he might be part of the working group. I hope so. He for me has the best grasp of the Cyprus issue.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 22:53

And you Paul? How come you are inside?

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
26/07/2008 23:24

This is Erolzs solution



Return of land / property.



As many of the disputed property issues as can be solved by consent should be solved on such a basis. That is where concerned parties can have what they want without requiring another party to have what they do not want they should be settled in such a fashion. So if you have a TC living in a pre 74 GC house but the GC does not want return of the house and the TC does not want to leave (or visa versa) it is easy. Fair compensation to the the GC owner and transfer of the property to the TC occupant. If you have a GC with pre 74 property that wants return and the current TC owner is willing to accept alternative property (or visa versa) it is easy. Give the GC return and give the TC and alternative property that is acceptable to them. And so on.



The real problem comes when you have concerned parties that want something that are mutually exclusive and there is a requirement for compulsion on one of the parties. For theses ‘difficult’ cases I believe the principal should be one of individual evaluation of each case with a principle that the burden of ‘not getting what you want’ should not fall on one community rather than the other.



There are those that argue this is purely a legal issue and that in any and all cases where there is a mutually exclusive desire by concerned parties the pre 74 owners get their ‘want’ at the expense of the post 74 ones. I do not accept this as a fair basis, because it places more of the ‘burden’ of ‘not getting what you want’ on the TC community that the GC community and I believe that both communities are culpable as communities in creating the conditions that led to the loss and both should share the ‘pain’ of rectifying it where such ‘pain’ is unavoidable.



So I would accept a system that ‘weighed’ every case (where compulsion of one party is unavoidable) against a range of factors, sometimes returning property and compelling the post 74 owners to accept compensation and in others compelling pre 74 owner that wants return to accept fair compensation instead and allowing the post 74 owner to remain. The kind of factors that I would consider relevant are things like, did the pre 74 owners actual live on said land or in said property as a family home, or was it empty land pre 74 or a house rented out pre 74. How long the post 74 owners have lived there. How much the land or property has been developed. So for eample if you had a GC with pre 74 land that was not lived on by them pre 74 and was unused but now has a house on it built in 75 by a TC that has lived there since 75, then priority should be given to the TC and the GC should be ‘compelled’ to accept fair compensation rather than return. At the other extreme if you have a GC that had a house and land pre 74 that they and their ancestors had lived in and on for generations, that was knocked down in 2002 and developed into a holiday villa and sold to a non Cypriot in 2004, then the GC should get return and the non Cypriot owner should be compelled to take fair compensation.

bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 00:09

ILC,

I agree we should all be sat out on this nice warm evening enjoying a drink or two. Wouldn't it be good if we could all do this whilst discussing these very issues?

The first solution is most definately a common sense approach and to some extent, one could say that this sort of settlement is in operation already with the Immovable Property Commission. I did hope that when Papadolittle moved over, lots more GC's would turn to the IPC as a way of settling their property issues. Sadly this has not been the case and to date only 300 people have put in claims for settlement. A slow process indeed.

I read somewhere that even the GC's that have no intention of returning to their home/land in the North still want ownership of their properties if only to sell to someone of their choosing. I agree that a blanket settlement is not possible and that individual cases will have to be assessed. However I am not sure that either side or the EU will have the political willpower to do this. Nobody even seems to have monitored the scale of the problem so far.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 02:28

"I agree we should all be sat out on this nice warm evening enjoying a drink or two. Wouldn't it be good if we could all do this whilst discussing these very issues?"



Sounds good to me Bradus



I would be very surprised if large numbers of GC's returned to their proprties in the North. Many would have made new lives in the South, now embedded in their relatively long standing communities.

I am not surprsised though, that they would want to gain onwership of their property in the North, in order to sell to someone of their choosing. I can understand this.

If they were granted ownership of their rented property in the south, if it was not on TC land, if it was valued more highly (now and considering potential) than the property in the north then there would be much incentive for them to stay where they are and to relinquish aspirations of reowning their Northern property. Mind you, haven't many of the GC's stated that they expect to have both, that which they own in the North and their present abode?



One thing for sure is that it is one big mess. Can't see it being resolved without lots of tears.



Talat and Christofias are certainly brave people for picking up the poisoned challice, but at least they can relinquish some of the responsability, by passing the final vote to the people.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 20:06

The property is issue, personnal view:- The size of the problem , is basically geared to the basis of valuation ie present day or pre 74. and whether actual physical repossession is to be allowed.

If as first muted valuations are set at pre 74 levels the 'compensation pot' would probably be manageable for Turkey and perhaps TRNC, and foriegn buyers. Furthermore the attractiveness of persuing a claim by either side would be diminished. Utilising present day valuations virtually dooms settlement options and opens the door on a massive amount of legal action purely fired by financial gain.

Actual physical repossession can only be achieved by both parties mutual agreement, otherwise, I feel this scenario would antaganise the relationship between the TC's and GC's such that hostilities could erupt. Compensation by Turkey/ ROC or TRNC seems the only sensible option.

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 20:29

HI GUYS

hope you are enjoying the weather ,in england i mean .

sorry people but i have said it before and ill say it again,it will be a no from the greeks ,their main issues are the turkish army ,they will ask for complete

withdrawal and this will never i repeat never going too happen ,so that becomes null and void ,we have been here before i am sorry but nothing will change.

ask any g/c want they want first and foremost and they will tell you turkish

soilders off the island .

musin

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 21:09

Musin,

Dont you think that the gcs may go for a reduction in Turkish troops.With a complete eradication in a set given time.This may sway the vote of the gcs,

Regards,

Paul.



Mark,

Ref post 33.I was sat outside last night.

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 22:36

Thats all right then Paul. I'll let you off. Hope you had a good night



Talat has said that the TC's will not rescind Turkeys Guarantorship. It seems that this is non negotiable.

I am not sure what Guarantorship would look like without Turkish troops on the island.

MUSIN M


Joined: 26/06/2008
Posts: 1352

Message Posted:
27/07/2008 23:08

paul, the answer to your question is a definate no the turkish army doesn,t

listen full stop ,even their own goverment if its not going the way they want it they will overthrow it ,besides the g/cs would not stop at that ,recently i was listening the news on brt and the g/cs were asking for the flags too be removed from the mountain side this did not go down very well, a spokesman said these flags are there so the outside world knows we are here, thats their objective and only that and thats where they will stay.

so many issues will take too many years,lets watch and wait.

musin

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
29/07/2008 12:28

Poll sheds light on Greek Cypriot feelings over north

By Marianna Pissa



THE MAJORITY of Greek Cypriots welcome contact with Turkish Cypriots, but only a small minority chooses the occupied regions as a venue for such interactions.



According to a poll conducted by NOVERNA Consulting & Research on behalf of Politis newspaper, carried out from July 16-23, the results are based on aspects of security, and matters of “principle”.



Seventy-five per cent of Greek Cypriots believe that it is “good” to have contacts with Turkish Cypriots even before a solution to the island’s division is found, establishing the belief that, without meaningful communication there can be no hope for future coexistence.



Moreover, the fact that this result does not vary significantly by age groups is a sign that the negative sentiments towards Turkish Cypriots expressed by young people until recently has started to turn.



In contrast, the proportion of the population that has visited the north remains stable at 60 per cent, showing essentially that the recent opening of Ledra Street has made things easier for the regular visitors to the north, however it has not given prospective visitors an incentive to visit.



Moreover, according to Politis, the frequency of visits is limited, as only one in four of those who have gone have been there more than twice.



The intention to cross over within the next 12 months is relatively low – with only 25 per cent saying they plan to visit. On the other hand, those who have not visited the north still feel the same, with less than one in ten declaring their intention to visit it in the future.



The reasons given as to why Greek Cypriots do not cross north are quite interesting, as they tend to reveal the general attitudes and concerns of Greek Cypriots in relation to the Cyprus problem.



A substantial majority say they don’t go north as a “matter of principle”, which has mainly to do with showing a passport or identity card, which they perceive as a recognition of the pseudo-state. Seventeen per cent of those who do not go also state directly that they do not visit the north “to not spend money there and finance the occupying regime”.



The results reflect to a large extent a “politically correct” attitude. These perceptions show that security and the presence of the Turkish army and settlers are the main factors as to why Greek Cypriots refrain from visiting the occupied regions.



Specifically, 72 per cent of Greek Cypriots believe that when you go to the north, you are not safe, while 65 per cent believe that the presence of the Turkish army and settlers is the only thing stopping them from crossing.



In addition, there is also the perception that going over “harms our interests”. Fifty-five per cent of respondents believe that those who do not go to the north protect our interests.



This attitude probably stems from the perception of a significant proportion of Greek Cypriots who believe visiting the north supports the regime politically and financially.



However, the social stigma of going to the north seems to have disappeared, with only 21 per cent believing that our society must condemn those who cross over.



In addition, 40 per cent of those polled believe those who have pride do not visit the occupied territories, while 37 per cent say they feel uncomfortable in the presence of Turkish Cypriots.