The Cyprus reality by Ted Karakostas

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July 20 and August 14 will be the twentyfifth anniversary's of the

twin Turkish invasions of Cyprus. The most obvious aspect of Turkish

policy is that they do not intend to EVER withdraw their forces from

Cyprus. Ankara treats occupied Cyprus as a Turkish province.

Despite its declaration, the TRNC is a Turkish colony and satellite

ruled byAnkara.

The negotiations that have taken place over the last two decades have

been sabotaged by Turkish occupation leader Rauf Denktash and his

backers in Ankara. The major issues such as Turkish withdrawal,

missing Greek Cypriots, the right of refugees to return, remain

unresolved because of Ankara. In short, the negotiations are nothing

more than propaganda with no serious attempt by Ankara to make concessions.

Ankara has the military advantage in Cyprus. The S 300 fiasco more

than likely strengthened Turkish resolve in keeping northern Cyprus.

Important diplomatic, military, and political pressure such as that used

in the Arab-Israeli conflict (diplomacy), Kosovo (military)

and other disputes is lacking by the major powers. Furthermore, the

international media through its silence on the Cyprus tragedy, becomes a

partner with Ankara in suppressing the reality of ethnic cleansing

in that land.

The main success for Cyprus has been that Nicosia and Athens

have successfully blocked recognition of the "TRNC", for the last

twentyfive years. Even this is now being threatened. An international

Islamic conferance expressing sympathy for Turkey in this matter

is disturbing. Equally disturbing are the visits paid to occupied Cyprus

by Pakistani, Albanian, and Irish diplomats.

In a truly bizarre manner, the Greek government stated it may

support putting Turkey on a list of EU candidates if Cypriot

entry in the EU is not blocked (likely by France, a traditional enemy

of Hellenism dating to the Ottoman centuries). This risks the last real

power that Greece has in influencing events on Cyprus. Turkey wants

to join Europe and that means if Greece holds to its traditional position

Turkey will never realize its dream if it does not give up Cyprus.

Compromise on Turkey has gotten Greece nothing. Greece has

lifted its veto on EU financial aid to Turkey only for Ankara to continue

making claims on Greek islets and islands. Greece has power in its

ability to veto any other EU candidates if Turkish slaves like the French

seek to keep Cyprus out. Turkey can only join Europe when it acts European.

Any step taken by Turkey to become closer to the EU will in effect

be a step closer to legitimizing Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. Greece's

EU membership is the most significent advantage that it has over

Turkey. Should Greece ever throw away this advantage, it will have

thrown northern Cyprus to the Turks. Turkey may reaffirm its stance

in remaining in Cyprus, but Ankara must learn that if they choose this

path, the Turkish dream of joining Europe will NEVER happen.