Things are heating up in the country…
We still have two presidential candidates who have not yet declared their candidacies: Both are confident!
Both make their statements on the basis of “I can do this better—I’m doing it better!”
Both claim to be the people the public wants.
Both are experts on the Cyprus Problem!
Both accuse each other: “You don’t want a solution,” “You’re a concession-maker…”
Both are thinking of the public’s interests!
Both claim to hold the key to a solution…
Both have served as Prime Minister of this country, although one is far ahead “in terms of seniority”…
Both are thinking of Turkey’s interests!
Both know very well how to bring the Greeks to heel!
Both know very well what the community they lead wants!
Both … (you can continue…)
We have two presidential candidates who have not declared their candidacies and who have the characteristics listed above.
Have you figured out who they are?
Of course you have…
Following Hristofyas’s latest remarks, I interviewed our President the other day. Mr. President commented on Hristofyas’s statement that “the negotiations will continue after the elections with the person chosen by the Turkish Cypriots” as follows: “He tells us there is no need to rush. Because the rejectionist camp within his own ranks—those who do not want a solution—is not content with that alone. They do not want to discuss anything related to a solution and say that we should not rush.”
It is clear from this that no agreement will be reached on any text before the presidential elections.
In other words, the matter will be postponed until after April 2010.
Given that, I cannot say who will be elected President in April 2010…
But one thing is certain, whoever is elected: They will have to continue the negotiations with the Greek Cypriot administration, and the talks will resume where they left off. Meanwhile, it will not be possible to go beyond the parameters set out earlier.
Apart from these realities, many things will be said during the campaign; many different issues will be brought up…
People will even strike “below the belt,” though it is not very pleasant…
Whatever happens, a decision will have to be made at the end of the day.
The Turkish Cypriot people will make that decision.
I hope the Turkish Cypriot people make their decision in light of the facts, rather than on the basis of what is said during the campaign.
I would also advise you that, at this point, focusing not on who your presidential candidate is, but on whether the realities in Cyprus are as they are being presented to you, will help you make a sounder decision…
Hope to see you on Thursday…
Pay attention to your surroundings, keep them clean, and be courteous in traffic!