By ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
The series of panel discussions I attended last weekend in the south of Nicosia opened the door to new hopes that we have not heard in a long time. At the conference organised by AKEL, federalists across the room agreed for the first time that we need to try different ways of achieving a united Cyprus. Everyone felt that it was time to wake up to a better future.
Ideas ranged from suggesting that the US should appoint a special envoy to Cyprus to advocating the benefits of a federation in Greek Cypriot villages. There were also those who argued that there should be consequences for a ‘no’ in a referendum. The proposal for a paradigm shift echoed during the event.
Mehmet Ali Talat recalled the missed opportunities and questioned why a united Cyprus was a source of concern for Turkey. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, on the other hand, emphasized that if a new referendum is unsuccessful, there should be costs to pay.
Fikri Toros stated that a two-state solution is unacceptable, while Niyazi Kızılyürek drew attention with his proposal for a paradigm shift. All these ideas rekindled our longing for peace and our desire to live together.
İpek Borman emphasized the importance of women and young people taking part in the negotiations, and stated that the communities should know the blessings of a federation. Nikos Moudouros said that Turkey’s Cyprus policy should be reconsidered.
At this critical stage, we must act together in order not to load the burden of the past on our children. It is time for both communities to acknowledge the pain of the past, and demonstrate our strength to build a future together.
In these times of economic trouble, when leaders are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones, the level-headed members of the Left, namely AKEL and CTP, need to take steps with other progressive forces for a united federal Cyprus. By overcoming the ‘fear of political recognition’ and ‘band aid complex’… This is exactly what will fill the sails and give hope to our country again. We must set out to unite, not to separate.
After 50 years, if we, as Cypriots, have started this all, we must be the ones to pave the way for an honourable peace. With our belief that we can build the future together, it is time to set sail for peace!
Source: CYPRUS ON THE BRINK OF A SOLUTION: IT’S TIME TO ACT!
