Cyprus-Forum.com

[Turker]

If Cyprus problem ends with happy end, do you think, it will be a model for the other countries being in conflict?

[X-ite]

No, Austria is multicultural could have been a model as to how we see ourselves but it wasn't (and neither was Belgium I might add). I think the Cyprus problem is special, there are too many foreign interests involved and those interests shape the future solution. In Iraq for example it's in everyone's interests that the Kurds don't form a federation with the Iraqis, they want the Iraqis to have full soveregnty. I don't see to whom we can be a model.

[michalis5354]

Why Austria and Belgium couldnt have been the framework of any future settlement??? Both have democracy , propserity and I am not aware of any disfunctional issue on their system.

UK for example comprise in 4 administrative regions England , Wales , Scotland and Northen Ireland . Each Administration has its own flag and sometimes is represented in international events separately . I m not fully aware on their details but I think they have a central parliament for the UK and individual parliaments in each administration ( Im not completly sure though but I think this is the case).

So UK represents internationally all these administration but locally they have their own legal issues , administrations etc etc.

The England team in EURO 2004 reprented England and not Wales or Scotland as they have their own teams.

I dont think Cyprus is a unique country that needs to be handled differently . The BElgium system or the UK system are good examples that a solution can be based and to address the needs of both sides.

[Turker]

My intention to metion a Cyprus-Model was not a model of a federation or so. Would it be a model for peace to show that nationsa can agree and reunificate with their votes?

[michalis5354]

Yes it could be example for other countries that still conflict exist. If Cyprus is solved I belive there are many propsects for Greek -Turksih -Cyprus relations. Doesnt anyone see that neigbouring countries worldwide support each other! Ireland success was due to UK trade and support . Now Ireland is one of the leading economies in EU . The same with France and Germany . Or other scandinavian countries forming a coalition to support their interest , financially or otherwise. Why Turkey , Greece and Cyprus not to?

And I do not think there is a Perfect model !

[mehmet]

[quote="michalis5354"]
UK for example comprise in 4 administrative regions England , Wales , Scotland and Northen Ireland . Each Administration has its own flag and sometimes is represented in international events separately . I m not fully aware on their details but I think they have a central parliament for the UK and individual parliaments in each administration ( Im not completly sure though but I think this is the case).

So UK represents internationally all these administration but locally they have their own legal issues , administrations etc etc.

UK is one state, Scotland and Wales have their own devolved Parliament with some control over budget. All laws are decided centrally. They are not equally represented in Parliament but they have slightly more representation than English people because they are a minority. It is interesting to note that the Labour party is unable to form a majority from just England alone, the Conservatives can, and that Labour depends on members from Scotland and Wales to help form their majority. In Northern Ireland there is power sharing between the Catholics and Protestants because it is recognised that majority rule led to discrimination against Catholics. England doesn't have its own Parliament although parts of England might have some regional autonomy (like in Germany).

What this means for Cyprus is up to you, but it's clear that in UK minorities are over represented to ensure they have avoice and that their interests are taken into account.

[X-ite]

My intention to metion a Cyprus-Model was not a model of a federation or so. Would it be a model for peace to show that nationsa can agree and reunificate with their votes?

If you are talking broadly about peace then I agree with you. If we can forget about our old hatred and live together then it will be the best exemple of how people can forget about the past and live together peacefully.

UK for example comprise in 4 administrative regions England , Wales , Scotland and Northen Ireland .

The UK is different, people from Wales, England etc all join the same political parties which are British. The Annan plan would divide us into ethnic groups. You would belong to Turkish Cypriot parties and we would belong to Greek Cypriot parties, instead of where we are on the political spectrum. If we came together the same way the British did we would have less reasons to fight.

[mehmet]

In Northern ireland most people vote for Nationalist (catholic) or unionist (protestant) parties. There are some parties which try to base their appeal to both communities but they have minority support. Mostly people prefer to vote for parties which are obsessed with one sided version of history.

Conclusions for Cyprus? We need to share our history in order to move on.