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Akinci: enosis vote will only exacerbate mistrust

February 11th, 2017 Cyprus, Cyprus Talks, featured 269 comments

Akinci: enosis vote will only exacerbate mistrust

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci had urged President Anastasiades to publicy oppose the vote

 

Parliament’s decision to introduce an annual commemoration in public schools of the 1950 enosis referendum is unacceptable and will only foment the mistrust his community felt towards Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said on Saturday.

“It is unacceptable that during a time when we are trying to set a date for a second conference (on Cyprus), enosis was still being kept on the agenda with a decision taken by the Greek Cypriot parliament,” he said.

Akinci said the decision sent a very dangerous message to Greek Cypriot youth and would increase the mistrust Turkish Cypriots already felt.

The Turkish Cypriot leader urged President Nicos Anastasiades to publicly oppose the decision and called on ruling Disy to work with Akel to undo it.

Parliament on Friday approved a proposal submitted by far-right party Elam to introduce an annual event in public schools to mark the January 1950 referendum on enosis, in which 96 per cent of Greek Cypriots voted in favour of union with Greece.

Just 19 votes from the smaller parties – excluding ruling Disy, which abstained, and main opposition Akel, which opposed – were enough for the proposal to be approved.

The desire for ‘enosis’, or union with Greece, is considered one of the main reasons for the breakdown of the independent bicommunal Republic of Cyprus established in 1960.

Disy’s decision to abstain rather than reject the motion outright has been heavily criticised on social media, while main opposition Akel has seized the chance to take the moral high ground.

“It is easy, we think, for everyone to contemplate the message sent by all other parties, except Akel, with yesterday’s decision … and how their action will be exploited at this especially critical phase of the Cyprus problem, by those in the Turkish Cypriot community who do not want a solution,” parliamentary spokesman Giorgos Loukaides said on Saturday.

He said Elam’s entrance in parliament and Friday’s decision to commemorate the referendum, which is already included in the school syllabus in any case, “reveals a lot”.

The far Right’s position had always been well known, he said, but of more concern were the rest of the parties which, with great ease, supported Elam’s effort to reinstate commemorations that “were terminated after the treacherous coup by (paramilitary group) Eoka B and the Turkish invasion”.

“It also reveals everyone’s priorities and whether these are defined with a view towards the coming elections or the next generations,” Loukaides said.

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  • Frederic Harakis

    I am astounded by the infantile behaviour of our elected politicians and how fast they decent to the realms of stupidity and naivety. It seems that the they still think that we live in the dark ages. Here we have the Greeks reviving the 1950 referendum on Enosis and shouting over the green line that the Greek race (there has never been a greek race, hellinistics world yes)) has been around longer than the turkish race and the Turks organising pompus parades to celebrate 1974 and painting the south side of Pentadactylos with their flag. In other words one side is doing its utmost best to antafonise the other. Infantile games indeed. The motherlands are no different. Bankrupt Greece shouting as if it is a major power and Turkey demanding from Cyprus the 4 freedoms when it is an EU matter and not Greek Cypriot one. Draw conclussions – will the currrent talks result into an accomodation? and if yes, what sort of?

  • Bob

    Acinci must remove the flag on the hillside to reduce mistrust

  • Peace and love

    the cypriots only deserve their political problems…What I can see, it’s 2 big big big big babies…the Turkish cypriots when they decided not to change the winter time and now the Greek cypriots with the Enosis…I thing it’s time for the both to organize a new war. I think they need it. Like this, all of the Cypriots will cry again for 70 years…I never seen a population with so not much maturity. Cyprus is a Kindergarden. You deserve your problems. Don’t forget to go to the church to make you forgive your sins.

  • Gokce Kavak

    What does international law say about Cyprus settlements more? We are getting works done complying with the international law written and participated in 1993. But we are also clear that our positions. What you mean to say about the illegality in Cyprus settlements come from the contra-thoughts between Greeks and Turks, but also Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island. There are also a lot to discuss between Greece and Turkey about the water-frontal borders in Aegean Sea. Turks are like 100% Brits about Cyprus settlement issue, the only difference is Turkey has had the complete laws about the United Nations written in 1993.

  • Ozay Mehmet

    Wow! 248 Comments and the number is still rising. Lots of emotions here.
    What is incredible is that, after 67 years, ENOSIS is still as strong as the 98% vote it had produced in 1950 when Makarios and the Church shepherded the GC flock…I remember very well this event, as a child in our village.
    Now, in 2017, despite Greek and GC bankruptcy,as a result of Euro meltdown….despite motherland Greece’s total inability to “save” Hellenism in 1974….regardless of the huge fortunes lost in Greek Bonds…still ENOSIS dreamers are everywhere in the South. The same closed mindset rules. The Church, ELAM fanatics, archaic schooling, all perpetuate this outdated Mythology, preventing GCs to join the Modern World.Now, of course, in a Trump-ed world, Neo-nationalism & Neo-facism are on the increase. Authoritarian rule is everywhere, in US. Europe and Turkey.
    Every time an opportunity arises for settlement of the CyProb, the vampire of ENOSIS rises from the graveyard, the ghost of Makarios walks, poising the political space and putting a dynamite under the latest round of of UN-led negotiations. Good thing this stupidity in parliament happened now, rather than shortly after a pseudo-agreement. Like 1960, it surely would have led to a new wave of inter-communal fighting. We should all thank for the presence of the Turkish troops. Who now, with any brains in the head, can argue that Treaty of Guarantee must end? .
    There can be no hope for any Power-Sharing in Cyprus. Lets accept that BBF is finished. The AA team is, just like Talat-Xhristofias, or Clerides-Denktas dead. What can the UN and international community do at this point? Precious little, except sit on the sidelines, and wait in futility.
    The key reality is that there are TWO PEOPLE, TWO MOTHERLANDS, TWO FLAGS that count in the island. Any Settlement must be based on this FACT…That is Confederation or Velvet Divorce. Sadly, it will not happen any time soon.

    • oratis

      I more or less agree with your comment but I hate this concept of motherlasnds, its something I would like both communities to move away from and totally dispense of.
      whether the final settlement is a federal solution , confederation or two separate countries, I want the motherland concept thrown in the rubbish bin where it belongs, if there are to be two separate counties then they must be two countries in their own right.
      Cyprus itelf should be classed as the motherland.

      • Ozay Mehmet

        Much as I agree, I use “motherlands” in my Comment to indicate the emotional and other ties in both zones of the island. The “other” ties include security, economic, cultural, etc.
        I cannot see either South or North existing cut off from G & T, respectively. I see the latest outburst over ENOSIS in this context.

        • oratis

          why can’t you see South or North existing cut off from G and T respectively?
          Malta is much smaller than Cyprus and it doesn’t have a motherland, also Iceland another small country manages to survive in its own right.

          • Ozay Mehmet

            No chance. Malta is fairly homogeneous.
            Turks and Greeks of Cyprus are distinctly different. The vast majority on both sides, identify with Turkish or Greek culture (language, religion, history, heroes, etc), respectively. During the last half a millennium [ a period longer than USA’s], no “melting pot” ever took place on the island. The British colonialists, and the Church during the long Ottoman period, ensured that the two main communities remained apart.
            No single common Cypriot identity ever emerged.
            I accept Greek patriotism as much as I accept Turkish one.
            It is extreme nationalism I reject, ethno-nationalism….My Motherhand Right or Wrong….as in ELAM fanatics in the South and their equivalent in the North.[ My sense is that the former is far larger]
            So…in the end,.. lets accept accept the Cultural Dualism of Turks and Greeks in Cyprus and go for Confederation, or agreed Velvet Divorce, with each side self-governing, and living side by side in the North & South, as friends as much as possible.

            ,

            • Frederic Harakis

              Overall I agree you but let me point one or two minor ommission/s, There is certainly one/two characteristic/s that is/are common in all Cypriots and this is STUPIDITY/NAIVETY. it/they appearto be more apt for the Greeks but the Turks hold most of the aces so do not be fooled.

        • oratis

          sorry computer playing up

        • oratis

          much

        • oratis

          smaller

        • oratis

          than

    • Bob

      I hope we divorce so Anastaiadis can confiscate TC property in south very quickly before I get too old and die😀

    • Helen Lazarides

      When will people understand that Cyprus should be an independent, sovereign country with two communities, Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
      The fact that parliament approved the request by the right wing for a concept that has destroyed Cyprus is disconcerting. Instead of trying to put aside issues that offend, they endorse them!

  • Philippos

    Bravo AKEL! Gutsy act. (I never though that I would ever say that about the party that spawned Katastrofias, but credit where its due). As for the motion, what fantastic timing, plus, I don’t think that you would get 96% if that vote was re run today, so its passe and should be left in history for those who must, to remember, not to be imposed on our children who were not there or even thought of in 1950, but we do like to poison everything here don’t we?

  • Afro cyprus

    Do Turks Celebrate 1974?

    • BigApple

      TCs do.

    • Oh Come ON!

      Yes, they do celebrate 20.07 and yes, the flags are on the mountainside. However, these things go back years to a time when tension and animosity between the two communities were at their peak. They have not just been introduced at a crucial time of negotiation in an attempt to bring the two communities together. In the event of a settlement, it’s highly likely that both the 20.7 celebrations and the flags will be dealt with, whereas this ENOSIS thing is just coming in.

      • Slomi

        At some point of time ,many need a bold moral courage to say goodbye to past and to cross the bridge .

      • Bob

        Take the flags down off the hill and we will cancel desciaion for Enosis day

  • Mr Honest

    Where was Greece in 74?

    • Afro cyprus

      They were told to stand down as was the UK. good book to read written by two UK journalists
      The Cyprus Conspiracy

      • Mr Honest

        I did read the book about 8 years ago.
        UK was about to send a ship to protect Northern part of Cyprus but they recieved a call from H. Kissinger and his mob to turn back.
        Must look around the house to see if i can find it.
        Thanks for reminding me.

        • Victor Cominos

          You are so right. Kissinger was involved in the whole saga in both Greece in 1967 and Cyprus in 1974. He has proudly admitted his involvement in a number of self penned publications.

  • Robert Taaffe

    An act of the desperate,to sabotage the ongoing talks,now we need the president to reject it

  • Jay

    Why does the dream of Enosis only exist in Cyprus? Any Cypriot who has been to Greece or has lived in Greece will tell you that Cyprus does not feature in daily life. Not on the TV and not in the Newspapers. Cyprus is the ex lover who won’t let the relationship with Greece go. Even though Greece moved out, changed her phone number and unfriended Cyprus from Facebook! You had 42 years to save the marriage (Enosis). It’s not going to happen….

    • braveheart

      Same in Turkey. The general public does not give a hoot about Cyprus.

      • Afro cyprus

        Public don’t, but your Sultan and previous Sultans do, it a form of expansion to them

    • Afro cyprus

      Spot on, and Cyprus does not need Greece,

  • Gokce Kavak

    I strongly admire the United Kingdom’s Her Majesty’s colonial country, Republic of Cyprus as well, and I’m intending to become a citizen of both Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom – as a Turkish Cypriot citizen living in the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. I have a strong tie with the south part of island, namely, Republic of Cyprus. My mother wants to visit Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Nicosia, Deryneia, Ayia Napa and Akrotiri and Dhekelia Sovereign British Air Bases in Republic of Cyprus. We need to visit there!

    • Afro cyprus

      If you ring the Cyprus embassy either UK or Cyprus there are turkish speaking people their, they will be able to help you with your question

  • The Turkish Cypriots have had enosis with Turkey for the last 42 years, so the Greek Cypriots are a bit late out of the starting blocks after their first failed attempt. Enosis with Greece has always been the only answer for the Greek Cypriots, the only way to counter Turkish hegemony over the island. Let the two motherlands fight it out. Hopefully, this will expose the fact that NATO favours Turkey over Greece. The Cyprob is the outward manifestation of an unresolved tension within NATO. The pseudo “threat” posed by Russia is designed to paper over the growing cracks in the alliance. It will be instructive to see how US President Trump reads the situation.

  • Stelios Stylianou

    Enosis was and is the bait to get the GC and TC to fight between them. Cyprus is an independent island and that will always be. We need nobody to tell us what and how to behave.

    • oratis

      I totally agree with you but most Greek Cypriots are stupid that’s why this vote to commemorate enosis has passed through parliament, what further proof do you want that we are ruled by stupid people.
      only AKEL has acted honourably on this vote, the rest of the parties should be ashamed of themselves.
      I’m no communist or traditional Akel supported but tonight I’m with Akel and very pro Akinci.
      you’ve no idea how furious I am, as far as I’m concerned the rest of the parties including Dysi can go to hell and damn any refugees who support this motion Ihope they too suffer.

      • Afro cyprus

        Then you should start by demanding the return of illegal settlers from the north, even remove the eyesaw flag from the hillside and the removal of troops, what you don’t understand is people become passionate and see this as extended arm of Turkey hence why this stupid celebration called enosis, which BTW would never happen because they are not needed.Both sides need to remove the external countries out of the equation
        namly Greece,Turkey,UK

        • oratis

          two wrongs don’t make a right by adding this stupid celebration we are only making things worse, as for the return of settlers and troops, that’s being discussed in the talks and vas for demanding anything well good luck for trying to demand anything from a country which has one of NATO’S biggest armies.

        • Andrew Brooks

          You mean, ‘Light blue touch paper and stand well back’ ?

      • gulumbra

        has anyone asked the schoolkids what they want? I dare them to have a plebiscite in the schools. Can individual parents fight this in court? I imagine that it would be quite easy for those who not agree to make some kind of public protest or are we still living in the same climate of bullying and coercion that existed in those times?

        • oratis

          the school kids don’t have enough knowledge on this matter to be able to make a proper decision especially those below the age of 16, except for some teenagers who cared to do some independent researcht , the overriding issue here is that parliament made the wrong decision which will help to indoctrinate future generations.

      • Stelios Stylianou

        Only when we show the world that we are capable of ruling ourselves, the big powers will take notice and leave us to do so. At the moment all we are doing is showing them that we are not to be trusted.

        • oratis

          you are totally right about that.

  • Afro cyprus

    An celebration is what it is,I personally don’t believe in it, but if you look in N.Ireland were they have the march of the Orangemen, a celebration that infuriates the Catholics but still they have peace.

    • oratis

      its no excuse, I want this enosis shit forgotten about.

      • John W

        You are absolutely right. It is pathetic and stupid. I can understand the idiots and uninformed members of Elam and the rejectionists to push for something as stupid as this but disy as well? It is times like these that I am so glad I don’t live in such a sorry ass place. Lambro na sas kapsi!

      • Afro cyprus

        I don’t agree with it , as enosis with Greece will never happen we don’t need greece, but The Turkish Cypriots have had enosis with Turkey for the last 42 years

        So if they dont like a celebration its tough manure

        • oratis

          its not just the Turkish Cypriots that don’t like it, I don’t like it either, I don’t want future generations celebrating something which happened in the 1950’s which is one oif the causes of the political problems in Cyprus.

      • Slomi

        Bravo my friend. I like you for your respectable and proud nationalism for your country.

        • oratis

          thankyou , you mention nationalism, my attitude is that of the true nationalist, these elam members and supporters are nothing but traitors, in most other countries nationalist parties don’t advocate merging with other countries the way Elam wants enosis with Greece.
          I want a strong independent Cyprus which is benefitial to both communities.

          • Slomi

            I am so glad that I live in “your” country.
            I respect you from the core of heart. I wish I may see “Cypriots” like you are.

  • Fevzi Ogelman

    This decision is actually helping the Turkish Cypriots who will argue that in this kind of atmosphere giving up the guarantees is not an option. Greece and the GCs will reject and the talks will collapse. This will please the rejectionists on both sides who outnumber the pro-solution people. Democracy in action, I’d say.

    • Afro cyprus

      Is not a flag stuff on a hill side infuriating as much as a celebration?

      • braveheart

        Only those that cannot stomach another state next to his.

        • Afro cyprus

          Arrr, Your true colours stand out, got nothing to do with it upsetting people , your words are if you dont like it then don’t look at it???? well same goes for celebrations don’t like them then go on holiday till there over,. YOUR SUCH A HYPERCRITE

    • oratis

      yes you are right I hope you lot use it as an argument and show my fellow countrymen how stupid they are to support it. go for it and have no mercy on the bastards.

  • Mist

    Enosis the most influential word in the little island state. Hatred and loathing or love a fawning respect.
    The Greek nation rejected it yet a few still plead to be elevated to the halcyon days of yore.

  • Anon

    Again the hypocritical Greek Republic of Cyprus administration not only shows its true colours but pins it to its chest .
    How can any government pretending to be supportive of ” all ” Cypriots decide to honour and celebrate its attempt to bring union with Greece ?
    It’s the equivalent of having a national holiday , after reunification , to celebrate the Turkish army landing and dividing the island in 1974 .

    • oratis

      you are right, Dysi should be ashamed to abstain from the motion,only akel, a party who I don’t usually support , acted honourably.

  • MountainMan

    What has happened in effect is that parliament has Shown that it supports ELAM. I honestly believe that this has firmly closed the door on any settlement (but I hope not) Why do the so called lawmakers continue to show the public what imbeciles they are. they can stop now, the public are fully aware as is the rest of the world. I wonder what is going through both Mr. A’s minds at the moment? my thoughts are with them both.

  • BigApple

    Akinci is talking nonsense. Have Greece actually agreed to Enosis and we are all making a big deal out of this utter stupidity?

    • braveheart

      No nonsense, if you let kids commemorate what should have been, you are preparing the next attempt.

      • BigApple

        My kids would be associated with ELAM just as much as they would with a Nazi party, the afd, golden dawn…meaning not at all. Every country has its black sheep party which will never gain an overwhelming following. You are taking this ENOSIS thing far too seriously, either influenced by the media, Akinci, Erdogan or all three. Just stop it now, next thing you will tell me that Christ’s second coming is coming to destroy the world next Xmas.

        We have been celebrating Greek national independence day with official school and military marches, flying the Greek flag, calling the Greeks our brothers, singing the Greek national anthem for 42 years and now you decide that we are dangerous because some fanatics come out to the media to say we want Enosis withput any factual evidence that Greece actually wants us? Give me a break man…calm down and have a keo.

        • braveheart

          You mean to say that decisions of your parliament are not to be taken seriously? If that’s the case, – TRNC beware of a settlement deal with such a government!

          • BigApple

            As I said calm down and have a keo before you rupture something.

            • braveheart

              No worry for me, enjoying my Efes.

              • BigApple

                Then do so and just stop acting in a similar manner like the other lunatics we have in the South.

            • Fresh

              No his having a Efes

              • BigApple

                Do you know how to read?

          • pkay1000

            No any settlement will be a decision of the people in a referendum. Not parliament

    • oratis

      it IS a big deal, if children are taught to celebrate that vote then its imbedded in their minds that it was the right thing, its something that will have an affect on future generations. there is simply no excuse for it.

      • BigApple

        Because the north does not celebrate 1974 every year….

        • oratis

          what would have happened to the Turkish Cypriots if the greek junta had succeeded in taking over Cyprus forever, it seems to me that they are celebrating their lucky escape.

          • Oh Come ON!

            Your comments on this article thus far are both commendable and admirable! It is clear that you are a decent and honourable person with a firm grip on reality, truth and what is right and wrong. What a total shame that there are not more TCs and GCs like you who accept that truth is truth and right is right, irrespective of which side you are on. If all TCs and GCs had the same attitude as you, there would be no Cyprus problem.

            • Slomi

              One day it may happen.

              • Oh Come ON!

                Maybe, Slomi. But probably not in our lifetime.

                • Slomi

                  Situation is at its worst now. It is all dark. Past is ruling the present life and our inner darkness is ruling our daily life. As one can not for more worse. Most probably very sega sega, some change will start to emerge from this nothingness. Otherwise ,this island will not be able to survive like this. It will be very sad. I donot wish to live to see that ultimate sadness.

              • oratis

                hope so

                • Slomi

                  Sooner or later. It is the law of Nature.

          • BigApple

            That is the Turkish excuse? Well then accept the Greeks celebrating Enosis in the 50’s because without Eoka A we would either still be slaves of the Brits or even worse slaves of Erdogan.

            • oratis

              its not just an excuse by Turkish Cypriots, its a fact,the greek junta did indeed happen . as for us we do already celebrate our independence and eoka A and rightfully so, I am not against that, but adding this to the list is totally pointless and bad timing.

              • BigApple

                I agree with you. I am not an Enosis fan either but let’s wait to see how this hatches…

    • John W

      No he is not. He got another gift from us in the negotiations. The rejectionists got what they wanted. I am not sure what disy was thinking but it showed their stupidity.

      • BigApple

        Because the North does not celebrate 1974 every year with school and military marches….

  • Gokce Kavak

    I think the teaching of Enosis vote on the lessons would bring mistrust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and the punched people would only bring the British Cypriots or Cypriots anger, bigotry, hate and frustration in this shame division to be taught in lessons. Greek Cypriots must try to become happy and proud in life, but also the Turkish Cypriots so that none of British Cypriots gets angry to themselves.

    • Monica

      Up-voting yourself again …. bad habit !

      • Gokce Kavak

        Turkey 🇹🇷 isn’t authoritarian as the facts creating the European Union 🇪🇺 and Turkey 🇹🇷 are just different – as the European Union 🇪🇺 is Christian, and Turkey 🇹🇷 is a Muslim state or country. European Union 🇪🇺 is currently hypothesising from the news , just looking to the TV news only, not the reality, other friendly and looking-forward and warm Turkey series and contests.

        • Monica

          Sorry …. but your last two posts do not make sense in the English language.
          You could try again.

          • Gokce Kavak

            European Union mainly gets the facts over television and the news to criticise Turkey due to develop its long-standing hysteria and hypocrisy against Turkey. But the life outside of the news are very different from the news (= as they call non-binding news) as it is from the television according to the Turkish gov’t. Turks outside of the television do actually admire the European Union, and they are currently investigating why it isn’t taken to the European Union for many years, I am trying to say.

            • Monica

              I agree that news media does supply their own versions but some of the EU residents have personal experience by visiting Turkey and some have Turkish friends, including some who are friends, neighbours and work colleagues in other EU countries.
              However, video reports do not lie to anyone who sees them !
              Those Turkish residents who wish to join the western countries should look to the evidence of Turkey’s implementation of the required chapters to join the EU.
              Mr. Erdogan & Co. do not have a very good track record of fulfilling those requirements.
              Wholesale arrests of sections of population, vicious fighting in government chambers, closing media outlets, denying free speech and illegally occupying other nations is not the way to endear themselves to the EU.
              Genuine, peaceful religions are a different matter. The EU tolerates many religions from all corners of the world provided that they respect the laws of the EU and do not try to supercede them.
              If you wish to join the EU …. I wish you luck.

              • Gokce Kavak

                Well, you mean to us that we need to sack Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the Turkey’s authority, what we need to be approved a good and full membership from the European Union. To do that, we need to wait until 2030, when Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey leaves the authority – due to their cases and stance over the Kurdish opposition (= Armenian Kurds) and their agitation to the European Union – the bloc. Actually, I think those people, who consider anti-establishment stance should not become the respective authorities of the European Union – that’s why we must wait 2030 to have another person.

  • Mr Honest

    More fuel thrown into the fire. As if the talks are not complex enough why come out with this now it only throws another spanner into the rusty old works…..

  • Bluestorm

    Not a wise decision but:
    Would the British subscribers of the forum beat their breasts if the Greek Cypriots decided to commemorate the offer of Britain to Greece for ENOSIS as reward for entering the war against Turkey?

  • antonis/ac

    And this is now the problem. That Islamo-fascist Turkey who murders, tortures and rapes its own people wants to impose a loose confederation, be a guarantor and maintain troops on the island is not.

    • Bluestorm

      Antoni, I feel that this was an unnecessary decision that will back fire. Already it has given cover to Akinci to shield his own excesses.You are dead right about the hypocrisy.

    • BigApple

      I think here lies the problem so the fanatical Cypriot politicians have dusted off and brought Enosis again to the surface as if to say. “You want Turkey on this island? Well then we want Enosis. So what will it be?”

      I think this is a direct (stupid) reaction to Akinci and Erdogan refusing to have the Turkish army leave the island.

  • John Aziz Kent Kent

    The Church who were the archıtects of the dısaster ENOSIS brought should have stood up and confıded wıth theır regrets to the Greek and Turkısh Publıc
    For all the GREIF they caused from 1951 up untıll now ınstead of lıvıng to ELAM to re establısh thıs ın parlıament as law to be celebrated every year
    And yet blame every thıng on the 1974 events as ıf the problem started then
    HOW MUCH LONGER ARE WE GOING TO LIVE THIS LIE WITHOUT TELLING OUR YOUTH THE TRUTH OF THE PAST

    • BigApple

      We have been celebrating Greek national independence day with official school and military marches, flying the Greek flag, calling the Greeks our brothers, singing the Greek national anthem for 42 years and now you decide that we are dangerous because some fanatics come out to the media to say we should celebrate Enosis on top of everything else? Come on you are looking for scraps in the garbage to find an excuse to trash us…

  • braveheart

    What can be a more convincing than this decision for the Turkish army to remain indefinitely?

    • elbmw

      Substituting one enosis with another is not the answer is it?

      • braveheart

        There is no plan for annexation by Turkey. There is nothing to gain by it Turkey not already has. Why risk sanctions?

        • elbmw

          The fact is that Turkey has already annexed part of Cyprus, in all but name.

    • Victor Cominos

      It doesn’t matter because Erdogon has no intention whatsoever of removing his troops and illegal settlers from the North. So chit chatting with Akinci is just a waste of time. The sooner that the talks are wound up and everybody goes home the better.

    • BigApple

      The Turkish army leaving the island was not negotiable to Erdogan. Anyone thinking otherwise is a fool. My belief this Enosis stupidy is a direct reaction from fanatics to Erdogan and Akinci’s insistence to have the Turkish army remain on the island from the last talks in Geneva.

      • braveheart

        That’s wrong and has nothing to do with Erdogan. If the Annan plan would have been accepted there would now be more soldiers in the south than in North Cyprus.

        • BigApple

          Cypriot soldiers and Turkish soldiers…yeah lovely choice we had.

  • Kibristan

    It isn’t just “…how their action will be exploited at this especially critical phase of the Cyprus problem, by those in the Turkish Cypriot community who do not want a solution…”
    It is all those TCs who may have come to a resolution in their mind that an agreement that might stop them being marginalised in the future may just work. They may now start revising their thinking.

  • EruDite

    Not a single centimetre of the TRNC to be returned. Redevelop Maras and open it up to tourism and undercut the south. Ercan is being expanded and can cope.
    Bring in more troops and move them nearer to the buffer zone. Still fostering ideas of enosis is showing treachery to any reconciliation, since the Cyprus problem started all because of it.
    It seems they only understand a fist rather than a handshake.

    • Monica

      Most tourists do not want to spend their vacations in an area over-run with foreign troops.

    • Mr Honest

      I will rename you……….Eru dik.

      • Monica

        Or Araldite … i.e. stuck in glue, unable to move.

      • Afro cyprus

        Eru is the biggest manure stirrer on these forums,his prob is an illegal that has
        everything to loose if a solution was gained

      • WINE CO

        Sorry that is copyright infringement ‘eru dik’. I baptised him erudickhead already.

    • Victor Cominos

      The Cyprus problem started long before the Enosis proposal. The British were plotting decades before with the regime in Ankara to partition Cyprus. The plan was to give a portion to Turkey and a portion to Greece. The portions would be annexed and become under the direct control of Turkey and Greece. In other words the British were planning their own version of Enosis long before it was embraced by the radical elements of the Greek Cypriot Community.

      • BigApple

        I don’t know why you bother to explain history to this fool. He won’t listen to you, he is here to support Erdogan and nothing else.

      • WINE CO

        The only enosis I wanted was with the TCs. .Unfortunately they have never been interested. They got a promise from the poms. 70 years ago, and still waiting for fruition.I have decided to accept this
        Time to cut them loose .Shut the border. Negotiations should be about land only . Then recognition of what ever they want to be called. They will be part of Turkey strait after their first election. .Less complicated. Time to build up our own troops as the turkish army will be staying there forever. We need to feel secure against this continued occupation ,AN. S 400 missile system from Ruusia would be enough to feel we can protect ourselves, better next time,with some modern weaponry. This is the best way forward. for both .

    • Afro cyprus

      Eru, finding words to describe you and not get banned from here is hard to write, so the only thing I can come up with is there are many Myths on how a man can go blind whiles using their hand, and I have to say you are probably blind as a bat.

  • Bunny

    What kind of Neanderthals could ever dream this one up? Certainly designed to engender mistrust in the north.

  • ApolloVinci

    I’ve said 100 times, and i will say it again one more time, there is only 20% of true Cypriots on the Island, the future is no longer talking about Cypriots, just the Red of Turkey and the Blue of Greece…give them 5 years, and when the EU breaks up Cyprus will once again be in War…..Nationalisation Rules the World once again….Good bey peace welcome a new world order of Wars…The World has gone mad….

    • Monica

      Unless the true Cypriots ( TC & GC ) cut ALL TIES with Turkey & Greece … and stand on their own as a united, independent island ….. I fear you might be correct.
      If so, all foreign residents and tourists will leave Cypriots to their own fate and, without them, what would Cyprus survive on ?

      • sportfirst

        You are right. The irony is that Greece would receive extra tourists who wouldn’t decide to go to Sicily westwards.

  • Guest

    I do find it ironic that while most people I spoke to in Crete on a recent holiday there wish for independence, there still seems to be a hankering for union with Greece here.

    • Bluestorm

      How many people did you speak to in Crete and in which locations? What methodology did you use.The one that you spit on your index finger and then raise it into the air to see which direction the wind blows? You must have had too much ”tsihoudia” during your holiday.Any way, I hope you had a good time in Crete.

      • Guest

        The truth hurts, it seems.

        • Bluestorm

          Apparently your capacity of understanding is limited,because your response has nothing to do with my question.I shall simplify the question.How many Cretans did you talk to at the taverna? I trust that you will not have any difficulty with this one.Tell the truth since you are a disciple of the truth.I promise not to be upset or hurt.

          • Guest

            Dozens. Does that make you feel better?

            • Bluestorm

              No ,but it gives me adequate information to suggest to you that you and these dozen,form a party or a pressure group to pursue independence for Crete.Let us know your progress in due course.

              • Guest

                Pathetic. Was that meant to be amusing?

                • Bluestorm

                  Yes, but not as amusing as your original comment.

  • costaskarseras

    It is becoming obvious that the amendment of ELAM to include the 1950 referendum in the anniversaries in schools is condemned by the vast majority of the G/C. It may have been passed by the parliament but in no way does it represent their wishes.

    The EDEK’s youth section distanced itself from EDEK because it disagrees with the vote in favour of the amendment proposed by ELAM.

    I also regard the motion to celebrate the referendum of 1950 as inappropriate and damaging especially at this critical time when efforts are made to find a solution.

    We must take into consideration the prevailing colonial condition of those days. The Greek Cypriots were demanding union with Greece and our Turkish compatriots were demanding the partition. In fact, one of their leading political parties was called “Cyprus is Turkish”.

    Therefore, the 1950 referendum and many other milestones may be useful as points of reference in our troubled history to teach the younger generations how our two communities were divided at a cost of great suffering to the Cypriot people.

  • Frustrated

    This latest action flies in the face of all reason and just about seals partition.

    For those of us who have clung on to the belief that some form of rapprochement was possible, that belief has been betrayed and no less than by the President himself. He would have sanctioned the abstention of his own party, DISY, in Parliament which has allowed this motion to be voted through.

    What this proves is that the GCs have allowed themselves to be prisoners of the past and their own sterile ‘patriotic’ rhetoric of decades and have never had any intention of embracing realpolitik. The TC leadership are little better. Small-minded people on an insignificant lump of rock.

    • elbmw

      Wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments although I’m not sure the TC leadership are ANY better in that sense as they are also trying to impose Turkeys wishes on the island. The whole thing is farcical.

  • NuffSaid

    Enosis was used by the British to divide the communities forever.

  • BigApple

    I don’t support Enosis and would vote against it, but for me the mistrust already existed when Akinci insisted to have the invading army remain in Cyprus even after unification.

    • costas

      the turks mainland and North Cyprus show no compromise regarding troop withdrawal, just a limited territorial of some military zones

      • BigApple

        for me, it does not matter how limited the territory they seek, they do not belong on our island.

    • WINE CO

      The only enosis I wanted was with the TCs. .Unfortunately they have never been interested. They got a promise from the poms. 70 years ago, and still waiting for fruition.I have decided to accept this
      Time to cut them loose .Shut the border. Negotiations should be about land only . Then recognition of what ever they want to be called. They will be part of Turkey strait after their first election. .Less complicated. Time to build up our own troops as the turkish army will be staying there forever. We need to feel secure against this continued occupation ,AN. S 400 missile system from Ruusia would be enough to feel we can protect ourselves better next time,with some modern weaponry. This is the best way forward. for both races.

  • Slomi

    He is right!!!

    • costas

      no he is not, Cyprus decided to have friends who spoke Greek and who are together politically similar. We did not want your crowd. Greek Cypriots decided one thing peacefully, but your shitecrew decided to invade to gain territory in the mediteranean. Even I am from the UK, I visit south Cyprus and choose to regularly visit Athens, because I want to visit Aegean sites, not Turkmen fights

      • BigApple

        Good then visit our cousins in Athens, speak Greek, buy Greek products, never visit Turkey but it doesn’t mean we must become part of them! You live in the UK so quite frankly speaking you will not suffer the disasterous consequences Cypriots will face both economically, demographically and politically. I love Greece too but I am Cypriot and proud of my Cypriot heritage and do not have a complex about who I am.

      • Slomi

        who is “you”.

        • costas

          I am a earner > 400 euros a month, via hardwork

          • braveheart

            That leaves little funds, if any, for further education.

          • Slomi

            BRAVO. Very nice.Great. Nice meting you here.

        • costas

          I am a decent hardworking individual, with ethics and morals. Turkish do not have these credentials as they have pillaged and steal lands from Greek Cypriots in the past, and continue to occupy half of the island, as unwelcome guests, well actually your crowd are not even guests

          • costas

            nor are welcome to the land

          • Slomi

            Who is this “you”.

          • Colin Evans

            And, of course, no GC live in any TC property, nor do they farm any TC land.

            • Bluestorm

              Still big losers, Colin and not selling it to the British. But ready to swap it with our own.

          • Slomi

            I did actually mean the clarification of you in your sentence above”We did not want your crowd”. Who is this “you” in your comment?

      • braveheart

        You are one of the typical species who comments here as an occasional tourist without a clue of the actual situation.

        • Monica

          Live in Cyprus, speak to the average population.
          They have more in common than their historical differences give bias to.
          Without the few troublemakers, on both sides, it could be a thriving, peaceful island.
          Just like the erroneous polls taken for the US & UK recent votes, I think the quiet members of the population will go against the troublemakers in a future referendum.
          Only empty cans make the most noise!

          • braveheart

            Full cans are often rotten.

            • Monica

              Only if you introduce bacteria.

              • braveheart

                Not really, if the expiry date has been exceeded for too long.

                • Monica

                  Or if you’ve been stuck with it for decades 😉
                  If it’s past it’s expiry date, it’s time to throw it out and get a new one.

                  • braveheart

                    That’s why the redundant “Republic” has to be “thrown out” and replaced by two independent states.

                    • Monica

                      That will be in the hands of those who can legally vote in a referendum.
                      Neither you or I know what the outcome will be.

        • Arnt Otto Østlie

          The all-important clue is how to get out from the actual situation and move forward.

          • braveheart

            Easy, call it quits for good and have friendly neighborly relationships

    • Veritas

      Agree!

  • Paranam Kid

    Enosis is what ultimately resulted in the Cyprob. GCs who remain wistful have not understood anything about their country’s history, and in any case do not want a peace deal with the North; I fear they may well manage to swing the referendum against any proposal.

    • costas

      absolute falsehood, the Turks used enosis as the excuse. Why would Turkey invade, only because the GC wanted the Greeks and rejected the Turks. However geographically the Turks used whatever excuse to invade as it borders the east meditarenan with neighbours Syria Jordan.

      • Paranam Kid

        That is the GC narrative for covering up their priest-turned-disastrous-politician’s disastrous flirtation with an engineered annexation. The GCs do not want to accept their responsibility.

        • Frustrated

          They never have and never will. Accept responsibility for anything, that is.

        • costas

          ok so whatever you say then, just keep on congratulating and accepting Turkeys invasion

          • Paranam Kid

            My advice: if you are really so concerned about the future of Cyprus, accept whatever proposal Anastasiades puts on the table for a referendum because it is the best deal you will ever get.

        • elbmw

          Unfortunately it takes 2 to tango and both sides are guilty of false nationalistic ideals. Having said that, I can only speak for myself but I will continue to bang on about us being Cypriots, even in the face of adversity from both the Greek speakers and Turkish speakers in Cyprus.

          • Paranam Kid

            I agree with you, which is why I formulated my advice to costas just now the way I did.

      • Frustrated

        Well be a bit more savvy and don’t give them the opportunity to use ENOSIS “as the excuse”.

        • Helen Lazarides

          But why bring up this idiotic enosis concept now, while the negoitations were going on?

          • Frustrated

            You tell me! “Idiotic” to say the least unless, of course, it was deliberately enacted to scupper the process.

    • Slomi

      Precisely.

  • Jeremy Rigg

    Very simplistic of me I know, but if you want to be Greek go and live in Greece. If you want to be Turkish go live in Turkey. If on the otherhand you are happy to be Cypriot then stay here, Simples.

    • costas

      For me.enosis shows a vision and wider scope in terms of foreign policy. It shows ambition and recognition of our Greek friends,and rejection of Attila. I agree with your point however one can not look at ones situation so narrowly.

      • braveheart

        The “vision” of someone who cannot run his own affairs, trying to connect with another bankrupt country.

  • costas

    ffs, enosis is the only policy that matters, any Greek Cypriot or expat who thinks otherwise is a fake. Enosis is Makarios big dream, anyone who denounces enosis, all they are thuggery Ataturk sympathisers

    • Yani

      SAY Makarios was living today and preaching to greek cypriot schools;
      .. Todaaaaaaayy THe Enoosis of Cyprus is stilll possible!;. but only 71%. !!.. (meaning South Cyprus).. 🙂

  • disqus_ZPlOdQqScB

    Mr Akinci is correct-can our politicians stoop any lower.

  • Ozay Mehmet

    A sad day. Akinci is right. The writing is on the wall. But can all read? Enosis = Pseudo-State in the South. What independence? What EU membership?

  • TheBlueHornett

    Leave the children out of past propaganda.

  • Veritas

    Couldn’t agree more with Mr Akinci.
    Our side has made a huge political blunder and we’ll not win any political points internationally. Once again, some of our politicians have reached the very bottom of the political scale.

    • Slomi

      well said.

  • Kibristan

    This is such a waste of time now. It will be tit for tat arguments on which side celebrates what. Until the situation gets to a point where there are two totally independent countries – Turkish and Greek – the commemorations will always be a source of tension.

    • costas

      Do north cyprus inhabitants not celebrate stuff that Greek Cypriot do not approve of

      • Bluestorm

        Yes they do.The invasion ,the looting the thieving and the displacement of 120000 Greek Cypriots from their homes and land.Also their illegal declaration of their squatters pirate statelet. You will find that there are tons of hypocrisy here.

    • Kibristan

      I see one reply reported as “This user is blocked” – so there is nothing to discuss with you.

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