http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1087969/posts "Goodbye Cyprus"
zaman.org ^ | 02.27.2004 Friday | ALI BULAC
Posted on 02/29/2004 1:17:32 PM PST by Destro
ALI BULAC
02.27.2004 Friday
Goodbye Cyprus
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "How necessary is it to understand the latest point reached in Cyprus? Is the new process a victory that started in New York and is to be finished at the end of April? What kind of a result will emerge from the ongoing negotiations and anticipated referendum?
It may sound gloomy and even painful as well, however, once all is said and done there will no longer be an independent entity such as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Irregardless of how the negotiations finish between the two countries, what sway Turkey and Greece impart on the talks, or what decision Annan wil give in the end, all signs point to the end of an era for TRNC. At the very least we should be ready for this psychologically. Although the two sides' will abide by principles of partnership, sovereignty and equality, what we will come across in the end is the 'United Cyprus Republic'. A United Cyprus, having its own flag and national anthem! This new Cyprus, which will be composed of Turks and the Greeks, will be a full member of the European Union (EU) as of May 1st 2004.
A significant part of the Turks living in Cyprus are extremely satisfied with this outcome. They are profound in their joy of 'stepping out of hell and into paradise'. Those who regard the Cyprus issue as an obstacle in front of Turkey's membership to EU feel a great gladness in thier hearts that the 30 year period has finally come to this stage.
However, this issue has another dimension: Cyprus is not a simple piece of territory or nor is it composed only of the Turks living on it. The island has always had a historical, current and strategic importance for us. We have given thousands of martyrs throughout the history for this island which was joined to the Islamic territories on the 28th anniversary of the Hegira. The number of our martyrs in 1974 was 5 thousand. Cyprus has always been a part of our vision for the future. It is the only place where we gained territory in the last 300 years. From a strategic aspect, it is like a 'fixed ship' in the Mediterranean. Those who have some expecations from the East Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East cannot overlook this island."