Cyprus-Forum.com

[insan]

Open letter to daily Haravgi and to the AKEL Central Committee
2004-04-15 | Politis | Γιώργος Φαντάρος Μέλος του ΑΚΕΛΛεμεσός
“Constructive speculation” was the headline title of the April 10th issue of daily Haravgi, the supposedly expressive organ of the party I belong. And I say “supposedly” expressive, because, while our party was supposed to decide on the Annan plan after a specific procedure, the daily Haravgi, immediately after the return of the President and the Political Leaders from Lucerne, virtually allied itself with the rejectionist circles of the President and of the DIKO party, along with Koutsou and Matsakis, along with unrepentant EOKA B nationalists, along with several slayers of Turks, in favor of the heroic NO.


http://www.cyprusmedianet.com/EN/article/21608?





More and more everyday no doubt... Everything will be clarified.... Nothing will be same anymore...

[michalis5354]

It is a very nice article indeed. I have nothing more to add.

[mehmet]

is this point of view supported by American dollars?

[Piratis]

This point of view is coming from somebody that only his mother and the Politis newspaper know who he is.
He is entitled to his opinion, as we all are, but what he believes has no more gravity than what any of us believes.

According to the polls the great majority of AKEL supporters reject the plan. Politis newspaper decided to present the views of somebody from the small minority that support the plan.

Politis newspaper either gives voice to all opinions, in which case everything is ok, or they select the ones that promote a specific idea, in which case it is not ok.

[mehmet]

You don't like it when Greek Cypriot voices say something pro-Annan plan. Maybe it's time to think about why not everyone agree with you instead of using cheap insults about American dollars. Democracy as I understand it involves debate with opponents about ideas not name calling.

[Piratis]

The American dollars are a fact. Do you think the Americans that are willing to give 400 million if their plan is accepted are going to do nothing to promote it? Americans and the British are known for their propaganda, this is nothing new. You really doubt?

[Piratis]

I respect any kind of views. As I said newspapers and all media should present all views.

But if I disagree with a view then of course I will express my disagreement. Whats wrong with that?

[mehmet]

Nothing. In England only the Television news is supposed to be fair to all points of view. If we want left wing we know what newspapers to buy , same if we want liberal or right wing. Is it different in RoC? How is your television stations covering the issues? Do people in favour of plan get same space as those against?

[Piratis]

Yes, there are different kind of newspapers that support different camps, and then there are some newspapers that present all kind of views. Personally I never buy newspapers from the first category. I want to listen to all kind of views. This is one of the reasons I am here. I could go to other Cyprus forums in Greek language, but for me the point is to listen and talk to people on the other side and try to find some common ground.

The TV channels are quite objective. While 70% of people support “no” and less than 20% support “yes” almost always the debates on TV present people from both sides. Also the news present the views of all parties, even those with 2-3%. E.g. while the party of Vassiliou represents just 3%, we (and you) listen to them supporting their views every day.

I believe that in RC the freedom of speech exists at its best, unlike some other countries that while they are democratic 2-3 parties control everything and the rest are very rarely heard. Not to mention that in some cases with 2%-3% parties don’t even make it to the parliament in those countries. In Cyprus a party can make it to the parliament with 1.8% which comes simply by dividing 100% with the 56 seats in the parliament, which I believe, is the most democratic.

[mehmet]

Is it true that EU Commisioner Verheugen was denied chance by not one but two Greek Cypriot television stations to speak?

Also an interview with UN Envoy De Soto was cancelled by CyBC?

Also a popular progeramme 'Decision Time' was cancelled?

What is going on? Is this democracy in action?