Turkey is the common house of two peoples [as well as a number of very small minorities], the relationship of which should not be one of majority and minority, but of two equals. This reality about 'Turkey' must be reflected in Turkey's new constitution, a hot topic on the Turkish agenda, perhaps even the name of the country.
Who best to advise Turks and Kurds about majority-minority relations and the right balance of equality than us Cypriots? We are able to remind ethnic Turks of their own ideas (1960 or 2011, their basic theme does not change) and share with them our experiences and ideas (1963), from both the majority and minority viewpoints.
And who better suited than us Cypriots, as we would be justified in returning the favor by taking an active interest in Turkish internal affairs (as Turkey does in ours)? Let us take advantage of our unique predicament to influence internal developments in Turkey and raising average Turks' and foreigners' understanding of Turkey's "principled" approach towards Kurds and tCypriots.
Who best to advise Turks and Kurds about majority-minority relations and the right balance of equality than us Cypriots? We are able to remind ethnic Turks of their own ideas (1960 or 2011, their basic theme does not change) and share with them our experiences and ideas (1963), from both the majority and minority viewpoints.
And who better suited than us Cypriots, as we would be justified in returning the favor by taking an active interest in Turkish internal affairs (as Turkey does in ours)? Let us take advantage of our unique predicament to influence internal developments in Turkey and raising average Turks' and foreigners' understanding of Turkey's "principled" approach towards Kurds and tCypriots.
By helping Kurds and Turks see eye to eye we will be helping ourselves in the end by striking the right balance between an majority and ethnic minority circa 20% in a unitary state.