Sir,
One might have dismissed the recent letter of Mr Nicos Margolis of London to the editor of the Cyprus Mail as unfortunate, lacking in substance and therefore unworthy of a response but when the editor of the Cyprus Mail sanctions the printing of a letter that makes completely unfounded allegations against members of the Armenian Community of Cyprus, the matter becomes more serious.
One could argue that the Cyprus Mail is simply making its columns available to its readers to facilitate their democratic right to express publicly their personal views. Mr Margolis, however, is not expressing an opinion or a view, but is making wild and unsubstantiated accusations and the Cyprus Mail is providing the platform for this venomous attack. Is the upholding of democratic rights tantamount to allowing individuals with an imagined grievance to attack others through the medium of a letter to the editor without offering a shred or evidence for their outburst?
And now some pertinent questions. Armenian Cypriots voted at polling stations spread all over the island and their votes were mixed with those of the Greek Cypriots and other communities. How does Mr Margolis reach his conclusion that almost 100 per cent of Armenian Cypriots voted ‘no’? Also, what reports is Mr Margolis quoting to reach the conclusion that Armenian Cypriots voted ‘no’ based on their visceral distrust of Turks? And what evidence does Mr Margolis have to claim that Armenian Cypriots fail to distinguish between Turks and Turkish Cypriots?
But let us for argument’s sake assume for a moment that Mr Margolis’ claims are correct. Is Mr Margolis telling us that Armenian Cypriot individuals do not have the same right as other Cypriots to vote whichever way they prefer? Is he telling us that one can vote ‘no’ based on economic reasons or the return of refugees or territory but not on distrust of the Turks? Does Mr Margolis believe that the Cyprus problem is simply an issue between Greek and Turkish Cypriots with Turkey a mere uninterested party?
Mr Margolis is also very angry with the Armenian Cypriots and warns them that they have no right to hinder a solution. It seems a solution is just round the comer and these evil Armenian Cypriots who do not even make up one per cent of the electorate are hindering the solution!
Armenian Cypriots also get lectured about the need to fight to bring down the wall of divide and bring about reunification. Mr Margolis should be reminded that Armenian Cypriots do not need his lectures because they have never been involved in putting dividing lines between communities in the first place.
The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus
