A comment by James Shawcross on Today's Zaman website (see link below) I found spot on."The primary issue in Cyprus is one of foreign invasion and occupation. The UN and EU have passed several resolutions calling for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from the island, the removal of illegal settlers and the right of return of all refugees.
The Turkish invasion and occupation exists to promote Turkey's perceived geo-strategic interests on the island. These exist above the interests of the Turkish Cypriots who have become marginalised by Anatolian colonists in the Turkish occupied areas.
The primary problem is therefore not the ethnic division in Cyprus. But the Turkish occupation and how to end it.
Since 2004, other than paying lip service to supporting the process of the UN-sponsored intercommunal talks on Cyprus, Turkey – which, as everyone knows, calls the tune for the Turkish Cypriots – has on substance not conceded an inch so as to meaningfully contribute towards a solution within the agreed framework.
No-one wants an end to the partition and occupation of their island more than the Greek Cypriots but this can only be achieved on the basis of the UN Charter principles and the EU acquis communautaire, not through continued Turkish threats, domination and ‘Pax Ottomana’.
Cyprus -- Blaming everything on Turkey is not the answer by Amanda Paul 7 Sept 14 Today's Zaman
