Sir,
I am glad that Chris Christofi (Do Turkish Cypriots need a lawyer? Sunday Mail, January 4) has responded to my theoretical “marriage by force” concept. I am also glad that he came up with some kind of a “union” concept; although, with all due respect to Chris, I found your presentation somewhat incoherent.
Whether the people of Cyprus are residents of this island or of some distant greener pastures, I believe most support the idea of a just “union”. Chris indicated the European Union; a loose de jure confederation. I may add further the Benelux Economic Union.
It is high time that we no longer dwell on the unfortunate events of the past. What is important is the future; let bygones be bygones, learn from mistakes, mend differences intelligently and move forward with determination.
Enough time has been wasted. Let us not forget; “where there is a will, there is a way”.
Geographically, this island is located in an extremely advantageous position. We both have good businessmen with international experience and capability. With the help of the Almighty and with some good decisions, I am sure we can turn this island into an economic success story.
No doubt historical events are the cause of our presence on this island. It is true that we have certain incidental “Cypriot” commonalities, but, fundamentally and in all other material respects, we are two separate sets of people.
We cannot ignore this. Likewise, an Englishman cannot be a Frenchman, and vice versa, but, they can both be Europeans. In short, we are what we are; we cannot be something else.
Didn’t His Beatitude Archbishop Makarios say, “No Greek who knows me can ever believe that I would wish to work for the creation of a Cypriot national awareness”? (Cyprus Mail, March 28, 1966).
In Cyprus, perhaps the most important issue is the security of the people. We experienced disaster in the past and we see catastrophes happening worldwide on a daily basis. No one should want to harm anyone. The key is in the art of living together, education and not distorting history for the sake of some untenable wild idea. All these require a certain level of maturity, “give and take” and respect to others.
So, I am really calling for an “Obama” here; someone who can bring about a “change”.
Someone who appreciates that politics using patriotism as a bludgeon does not work. When we elect our leaders, our hope must be that they do not fail us.
They must not be instrumental in creating bitter times, enmity and mistrust. Isn’t democracy the government of the people, by the people, for the people? For real leadership is about candour and judgment and the ability to rally people from “all walks of life” around a common purpose.
So let us “Change” from the old ways and work toward establishing safe neighbourly borders with a workable “union” concept, for at the end of the day, common sense should always prevail.
Tamer Muftizade,
Nicosia
