Akel’s newly appointed General Secretary Kiprianu recently made a statement arguing that “whether there will be a solution in 2009 depends on Talat.” One feels like saying, “Then embrace the vision for a solution that Talat has put forward, and let a solution be reached on the island!” But what Kiprianu is trying to say is undoubtedly something else! Moreover, in the same statement, Kiprianu says that “Christofias will not accept a bad solution”; and the bad solution he is referring to is the model for a solution put forward by Talat!
Anyway, Akel alone cannot, of course, reflect the viewpoint of the Greek Cypriot side, but it is significant that someone filling the seat vacated by Christofias should say these things. Yet Kiprianu is not the only one making such statements on the Greek Cypriot side. It is plain to see that Greek Cypriot politicians are trying to get somewhere with their ‘you’re it’ strategy!
So why are they developing such statements and strategies? Of course you know, but let us say it anyway: A solution came very close under the Annan Plan, but the “no” vote from the Greek Cypriot side ensured that the impasse continued. From the referendum held in April 2004 until the day Christofias took office, the Greek Cypriot side was subjected to pressure from the international community, and the “no” vote it cast brought serious problems upon it.
Now, at this point, the two leaders have been conducting negotiations to find a solution to the Cyprus problem since September 3, 2008. Meanwhile, with this process underway, the pressure bearing on the Greek Cypriot side has been lifted… Anyway, the negotiations are continuing without any plan or timetable, and it feels as though certain parties—undoubtedly the EU, the US, and the UN—have taken the position of “you guys talk among yourselves and try to solve it, and later, depending on the situation, we’ll see what can be done.” And that is exactly what the leaders are doing now! But this “you talk among yourselves” part is very important! Aware of its importance, the two leaders are making a serious effort not to leave the table and not to cause any deadlock.
Given all this, it is understandable that Greek Cypriot politicians are making statements to the effect that “the key to a solution is the Turkish side”! I don’t know whether these statements, made to pressure the Turkish side at the table—and therefore Talat—to leave the table and/or create problems, will serve their purpose! But it is certain that they are conducting serious propaganda to convince international public opinion of this. I am certainly not the only intelligent person in this country, and everyone is aware of it! But this raises the following question: If we are aware of this, what is our counter-propaganda? What are we doing in response to these Greek Cypriot games that are plain to see? While Greek Cypriot politicians speak as if in unison to pressure the Turkish side in support of their own ideology, how much are our politicians standing behind our President? Or do we have a common position, agreed upon, that will strengthen our President’s hand at the table and show that we stand behind him? What statements are they making in this regard?
In conclusion, I don’t know what our counterplay will be.
Just let the name of the game not be ‘hide-and-seek’! Whatever it may be…
So, what do you think the name of the game is?
Or is there a game at all?
Or are we able to respond to the ‘you’re it’ game being played against us?
Until Thursday, I hope…
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