That's good to hear. I'm not updated on the Cyprus situation, though. What is the last important update? Does the Greek part still reject a solution by referendum, after the Turkish side had finally made everything ready for a solution, after a long time of reluctance?
Indeed they do reject a resolution by referendum. What is currently happening is this; our government is negotiating with Greece to settle property disputes as the Greek side is attempting to sue Turkey at the ECHR and take back all the previously Greek owned land from North Cyprus through court orders. This is technically a non-conflict invasion, by obtaining land through courts by having Greek citizens go to court with Turkey on an individual bases (for everybody who lost land during the war). The ECHR ruled recently however that the best remedy for a solution of the property problems is through a Turkish Cypriot institution called the IPC (immovable property commission). It refuses to hand over Turkish Cypriot land to the Greeks but instead seeks to compensate them for there loss of land. Its is the fairest solution because Turkish Cypriots have much more limitations when it comes to obtaining there own land lost during the war on the Greek side of the border through courts (the ECHR) which is just completely discriminative and borderline racist.
Both leaders also seek a permanent solution to the island on a whole; initially they wanted to see a federal Cyprus with a Greek PM for one term and a Turkish PM for another. But because of faltering peace talks and the stubbornness of both sides (especially the Greek side in regards to property and a disputed city in the North called the Maras that they want back), the Turkish Cypriots are now pulling towards a one state solution with the backing of European friends. This will be the case (a velvet revolution for the official establishment of a separate, sovereign Turkish Cypriot state) if UN mediated peace talks should fail.
It's not what Turkey wants, but they agree that is the only solution should peace talks fail. Many EU MP's are now pushing for direct trade treaties with Turkish Cyprus and this could help.
Such a dispute about borders (and not fundamental differences, just some claims on minor isles, I assume) seems especially petty in the light of a potential Turkish EU membership (or at least association contracts): Once you are allowed to move freely between these two countries, have minority rights protected and maybe even use the same currency one day, you'd think border disputes wouldn't be much of an issue anymore.
It wont be when people start seeing Europe as European rather than German/Greek/Turkish etc. This will likely be the case in the future with continued European integration. Until then, we will likely see this problem continue.
Much like there are hardly Germans and Austrians left contemplating about a unification of both countries -- it would be way too much of a hassle, while all the benefits such a move would bring are reality already, due to both countries being integrated within the EU.
If the case of Germany/Austria could be replicated for all European countries, then border disputes will technically become irrelevant, although the nationalists will not forget.
Congratulations!
Btw, I heard about a referendum in Turkey about a constitutional reform or so. What is that about, and what's your take on it?
:mrgreen:
It is pretty good. It now completely protects the rights of women, disabled people and ethnic minorities against discrimination. It creates a much more Democratic Turkey. The only problem i have, is the expansion of the judiciary.
And, if I may ask: Apparently, you are Turkish. Do you live in Turkey as well, or in Denmark?
Indeed i am, but born and raised in the UK, just returned from a long haul in Afghanistan and currently residing in Denmark with the wife and kids.
