The question of ‘what kind of solution,’ which we have been unable to resolve, is probably one that the people of our country cannot answer fully either; the most recent presidential election is an indication of this…
When we look at the statements of the two candidates, each of whom was being presented as either ‘pro-solution’ or ‘not,’ it was clear as day that this was not on their agendas either, and that this debate was futile…
Rather than debating what the solution was, we debated ‘who could bring about a solution.’ But the problem was not who could bring about a solution. It was what kind of solution there could be. In my view, for both candidates, the issue of a solution was just a lie being repeated. They both knew that a solution was not in their hands. But ‘the solution’ gave the candidates the opportunity to talk circles around the issue, as their strongest trump card; it meant nothing else…
Our politicians, who do not want to “sit crooked and speak straight,” were as successful as ever at muddying the waters and taking the issue elsewhere: Our candidate, accused of not being pro-solution, shouted at the top of his voice, “My brother, I will continue the negotiations exactly as they are,” while the other candidate, accused of not standing up for the TRNC, also shouted, “I have taken the TRNC to much better places than where I found it,” trying to explain how he had stood up for it.
If we try to understand what the two candidates, hurling words at each other from their respective positions, were saying, we can see that, in fact, their statements were beginning to resemble one another.
Thankfully, the process did not go on any longer; otherwise, as long as the candidates continued making statements like this, things could have taken a very different turn. For example, the candidates were trading accusations to such an extent that it would not have been strange to hear Talat say, “I’m a better Eroğlu,” or Eroğlu say, “I’m a better Talat.”
Yes, perhaps I exaggerated, but the candidates’ hollow, accusatory exchanges had brought their statements so close together that, thank goodness, the election took place and this convergence came to an end…
But there was a reason for all this:
In other words, they too knew that what they were saying about a solution could do nothing more than deceive the public…
However, each candidate had shortcomings that complemented the other’s.
These shortcomings drove them to say such things.
They were both aware of these shortcomings.
One was weak on the solution side, while the other was weak on the TRNC side…
Because of these shortcomings, things nearly reached the point where Talat would say, “I’m a better Eroğlu,” or Eroğlu, “I’m a better Talat”…
Looking at the result, the public was very aware of this. They clearly saw the shortcomings that complemented one another in the two candidates, and for that reason gave both of them very similar vote totals, gave them authority, and placed responsibility on them…
In fact, the public may have determined the best possible result, one that would satisfy both leaders…
Once again, democracy showed its solution-seeking, mediating side!
I hope the same will happen with the Cyprus problem…
Pay attention to your surroundings, keep them clean, and please be courteous in traffic…
Note: I extend my most heartfelt wishes to you on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day…