By This post is also available in: ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ (GREEK) TÜRKÇE (TURKISH)
Certain citizen groups say that the opening of new crossing points between the government-controlled and occupied areas, opens avenues for a solution to the Cyprus problem, since it brings the two sides closer to each other. Other groups saythat the road blocks and the flow of traffic consolidate the occupation by creating a regime of functional occupation and accustoming us to the idea of two neighbouring states. When someone hears the arguments of either one side or the other (if they are not wearing blinkers) they will largely agree with both points of view.
The truth is that the existing road blocks, which were opened twenty years ago, did not help towards a solution. At the same time, neither did the thirty years without any contact that preceded the opening help in any direction. Nostalgia and the longing for a return, which was made stronger by the absence of contact with the occupied areas, with the houses many of us were born in, with the places we had lived in, with the corroboration of the images we had in our minds and our souls, have led us nowhere. The longing has not faded but the passing of time has frozen the situation.
Today, people from both sides cross over for various reasons. Work, shopping, recreation, visits, medical care, trade contacts, travel from whichever airport is most convenient… Greek-Cypriots opt to live in the occupied north and Turkish-Cypriots in the government controlled south. Some have married people from the othercommunity…All this could have led to the romantic view that the Cyprus problem could solve itself. Without justice having been done. Wiping out the past and with hope for the future.
What if no more road blocks are opened? What if we close the ones that are already open? Will a solution be found then? If we turn our backs on the occupied areas, will Turkey come and offer us a solution? Will we find a way to persuade Turkey for a solution?
Tatar is building his palace; a little further away a vast mosque has already alteredthe identity of the place; huge developments all over are bought and sold toforeigners…One might say that we can demolish all this, that hope is not lost. Is thishope kept alive through the isolation of the people of Tyllyria? Is it maintained by making life easier for the hundreds of drivers who face delays and difficulties at the Agios Dometios road block? Is it proof of submission if a road block opens at Mia Milia? Is it rejectionist if it does not?
The latest representative of the UN SG, Maria Angela Holguin, said that ‘if we are toheal the wounds of the past and improve the present, we must look to the future in ahealthier and more hopeful way’. However, when it comes to the road blocks, bothsides will say that their position is based on hope.
This article was originally published on 26.01.2025
