Let’s do something different today; let’s practice looking at a news story from different perspectives. I wonder if we can find common ground?
News:
“The fanatical young supporters of Apoel Sports Club in Southern Cyprus attacked the cars of Turkish Cypriots waiting at the traffic lights in front of the club’s building. The Turks whose car windows and rearview mirrors were broken by stones and beer bottles thrown by fanatical Greek youths had some frightening moments.”
Perspective 1:
A few young Greeks who don’t know any better have undoubtedly been subject to provocation, as well as giving in to their emotions. That is all there is to this incident. It does not follow that Greeks and Turks cannot live together. In time, they too will understand that they have to share this homeland with us. After all, the ongoing comprehensive negotiations have begun a process toward a settlement in Cyprus. At this point, what we should do is let the process continue without making too much of incidents like this.
Perspective 2:
Once again, the Greeks’ true nature has been laid bare. Through this incident, they have once again shown that they have not changed, that they continue the EOKA tradition, and that they want enosis. They persist in refusing to accept that there are two separate peoples in Cyprus. We must finally understand that living together is impossible. This is the best example of why we want two separate states in the ongoing comprehensive negotiations! This incident is the best example of what will happen from now on. We must explain this and similar incidents to the UN and the world so that both the Greeks and the world understand how important security is to us!
Perspective 3:
No, brother! You can’t get a friend—or anything else—from these Greeks. Just look at what they’re like! What are we discussing, what are we trying to resolve? They don’t want to live together with us, so why insist? They’re happy there, and we’re happy here. Let’s close the doors so they don’t come here and we don’t go there. We’re happy in the TRNC…
A Culture of Common Ground:
We could add more perspectives; these are probably the best known. But what matters to us? What do we want? Can these perspectives meet on common ground? Should they? Our esteemed President answered all these questions in a statement he made on September 3, 2008: “At this time, when efforts to find a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem are once again intensifying, I call on you to contribute actively to the process. I am not asking you to support me blindly. You will give me the greatest support by openly expressing your feelings and thoughts through realistic and constructive assessments. My goal is to find a solution that the Turkish Cypriot people can approve with peace of mind. To that end, I want to learn, in the simplest terms, what you think and what your plans are for the future. The Turkish Cypriot people must take part in this process as a whole. Our differences cannot—and must not—harm our unity. Make full use of democratic means. Democracy is our greatest strength. A process of participation conducted in accordance with democratic principles will turn the differences in our views into an asset and will be our principal strength in this process.”
That is why you should convey your perspectives, fears and concerns to our President, who wants to hear them, in a way that respects tolerance and makes use of your democratic rights.
That is what he wants from you!
Hope to see you on Thursday!
Pay attention to your surroundings, keep them clean, and please be respectful in traffic!