Follow the example of the motherlands

Sir,
I despair at the lack of understanding between the two sides in Cyprus, particularly in the last few years. Now, when resolution has been so close we see the two sides drifting further and further apart, perhaps trying to justify their actions in the recent referendum.

It is ironic to see the great nations of Greece and Turkey getting closer in harmony towards the EU yet seeing the squabbles continue in Cyprus. Now, we hear the threat of veto being suggested by the government against EU grants to the north if trade within the EU is opened up to the north without passing through the south. I despair because the south needs a resolution and also needs to improve standards in the North, as this would make matters beneficial for reunification, which is what they want.

I have recently purchased a property in Cyprus having spent many years getting to know the island and it’s people. There is so much I can say about what I have observed from the people I have met but the overwhelming message I get is that the people in the south are subjected to the most unbelievable propaganda through the education system and the Church. It places them in a position where they are not thinking for themselves and are therefore very easily led by their peers.

My message is pure and simple – where is the olive branch? Follow the example of Greece and Turkey. Who would ever have predicted recent events where the Greek prime minister was a witness at the wedding of the daughter of the Turkish prime minister – but Cypriots will say this is a ploy to get support for Turkey for accession in to the EU and so it goes on!
Graham Deacon, UK

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.