It is an indisputable fact that the two communities in Cyprus need to trust one another more.
It is therefore essential to avoid steps that would undermine trust and to increase confidence-building measures.
We are in agreement on this much.
Yet, I think the real issue begins here.
Because whilst everyone is well aware of their own grievances, they do not show the same sensitivity when it comes to the grievances of the other side.
There is always a justification for what we do, whereas what the other side does is simply wrong!
***
For a significant proportion of Greek Cypriots, the fact that Turkish Cypriot young people cannot take part in international organisations may be seen as simply part of the normal course of life.
Similarly, the blocking, or cancellation of an international festival planned for the north can be regarded as perfectly ordinary.
For Turkish Cypriots, this is complete exclusion, injustice and isolation...
Let’s turn the mirror round.
The population transfer to the north of the island over the years naturally causes serious concern amongst Greek Cypriots as well.
They believe the demographic structure is being altered; they view this as a matter concerning their own country, their property and their future.
It is not just a concern for Greek Cypriots...
It is actually a concern for Turkish Cypriots too!
However, for the ‘Turkish side’, it is perfectly ordinary...
Another example...
For a significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots, the fact that property left behind by Greek Cypriots in the north is sold to others without consulting the owners – and that a substantial rent-seeking economy is created as a result – is seen as normal.
The fact that this undermines trust is not taken into account.
But, for example, when there is an ‘arrest’, we naturally react…
Then there is ‘tension’.
Such arrests should not happen…
Yet, the ‘sales’ continue (!)
Let’s be realistic, though…
If someone were to sell a property that belonged to you to another person, without giving you a second thought, how would you really feel?
***
The same contradiction arises when it comes to the issue of security.
A significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots view the tens of thousands of Turkish troops in the north as a ‘guarantee’. Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, perceive the same military presence as a ‘threat’.
When Greek Cypriots enter into military agreements with France, the US or other countries, they justify this on the grounds of their own security needs.
So how do Turkish Cypriots view this?
As a threat…
It seems, then, that what we call ‘security’ also varies depending on where we stand.
***
We have yet another peculiar contradiction.
We have an ‘official’ policy that refuses even to utter the name of the Republic of Cyprus.
Yet, a significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots hold the identity documents and passports of this republic.
We justify this, quite rightly, by saying, “We are founding partners of this state”.
But does founding partnership consist solely of rights?
When we obtain identity documents, passports, or benefit from the opportunities afforded by European Union citizenship, we are ‘founding partners’; but when it comes to the constitutional order, property rights, or the country’s territorial integrity, what kind of relationship do we find ourselves in?
There are no easy answers to these questions.
Perhaps this is precisely why we need a new and comprehensive social study in Cyprus.
What builds trust, and what erodes it?
More importantly…
Why do we so readily normalise similar behaviours in ourselves when we demand that the other side change theirs?
The truth is, rapprochement, trust, or peace is not merely about asking the other side to look in the mirror.
You, too, will have to look in the mirror from time to time...
To be able to face up to things...
This applies to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots...
If only both societies and their leaders could face up to their own contradictions...
Source: US IN THE MIRROR OF OTHERS
