Cyprus-Forum.com

[city]

Hi Saint Jimmy, here you go:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... 37-7343005

[Saint Jimmy]

OK, I finished the book last night. Lord Hannay seems to me to be not only a quite fascinating diplomat, but also extremely knowledgable about the underlying issues on the Cyprus problem - and this goes far beyond the political aspects; he goes into the sociological dimension, and much more interesting stuff.

His analyses and comments are quite thorough and very solidly argumented for, and I find his views as reasonable as can be.

However, the one handicap of his report on the negotiations that led up to the A-Plan is that he was only directly involved in them only up to the Hague, and the subsequent breakdown of the negotiations. As a result, he only mentions in passing the most interesting part: the year following the Hague, up to the referenda, although I'm sure he has a lot to say about that, too...

[cannedmoose]

OK, I finished the book last night. Lord Hannay seems to me to be not only a quite fascinating diplomat, but also extremely knowledgable about the underlying issues on the Cyprus problem - and this goes far beyond the political aspects; he goes into the sociological dimension, and much more interesting stuff.

His analyses and comments are quite thorough and very solidly argumented for, and I find his views as reasonable as can be.

However, the one handicap of his report on the negotiations that led up to the A-Plan is that he was only directly involved in them only up to the Hague, and the subsequent breakdown of the negotiations. As a result, he only mentions in passing the most interesting part: the year following the Hague, up to the referenda, although I'm sure he has a lot to say about that, too...

I agree with your analysis Jimmy, I read the book about a month ago and came to pretty much the same conclusion (I'd also note that for a political text, it's incredibly accessible and well-written, it was a breeze to read). A lot of people seem to demonise Hannay, mostly based upon false assumptions and readings of the press, I'd suggest they read this before making a conclusion on the man.

[brother]

THAT IS NOT THE CYPRIOT WAY, WE FIRST ACCUSE THEM OF BEING A TRAITOR THEN HANG THEM AND ONCE WE HAD A FEW SHOTS OF 31 DO WE CALM DOWN AND REFLECT ON THE TRUTH AND WHEN WE FIND OUT WE ARE WRONG WE HAVE SOME MORE 31 AND FORGET ABOUT IT.

[cannedmoose]

THAT IS NOT THE CYPRIOT WAY, WE FIRST ACCUSE THEM OF BEING A TRAITOR THEN HANG THEM AND ONCE WE HAD A FEW SHOTS OF 31 DO WE CALM DOWN AND REFLECT ON THE TRUTH AND WHEN WE FIND OUT WE ARE WRONG WE HAVE SOME MORE 31 AND FORGET ABOUT IT.

Prefer zivania myself bro'

[brother]

You get the gist of what i am saying, whatever your posion is mine being 31, boy what i wouldn't give to be in cyprus now in front of a barbecue and lots of bottles of 31 with some good friends.

[cannedmoose]

It's Green Monday today so all the GCs will be out in the fields foraging, given that its time to fast too, they'll be a distinct lack of souvla burning tonight!