Concerns and expectations in both communities 

In the framework of our project “What do Cypriots want” participants had a discussion about the Concerns and Expectations in both communities. The participants of the discussion pointed out many concerns and expectations which can guide us to reach our ultimate goal, the unification of Cyprus. At least guide us to understand each other and build a mutual respect between communities. Even though these were only assumptions, because they are not based on a scientific research, participants gained an idea about what do Cypriots want.

The participants tried to point out the basic concerns and expectations by decoding the signals of what was and is promoted by the mass media (opinions and arguments of politicians, political parties, journalists, other factors of the society) and also of the discussions that the participants had with other people.

We have split the concerns in three categories: concerns of Greek–Cypriots, concerns of Turkish–Cypriots and concerns that are common in both communities. The same framework was also done for the expectations.

Concerns

Concerns of Greek-Cypriots:

• After the reunification of the island there will be a decrease of the living standard of G/C, there will be negative economical consequences, unemployment.

• Luck of trust towards Turkey

• Fear that Turkey could always interfere and eventually get the support of T/C

• The Annan plan is not fair and cannot bring a solution.

• U.S.A, England and Turkey will always exploit Cyprus for their own benefits.

• Annan plan will not be compatible with the constitution of the European Union

• Fear of recognition of T.R.N.C. and as a result of this recognition there will be permanent separation between North and South

• Greek Cypriots will lose power and their dominance in Cyprus.

Concerns of Turkish-Cypriots:

• Fear of being minority and being assimilated

• Fear of losing the land they have now (some people has been given property much more than they owned before the division)

• some do not want to migrate again

• lack of trust against Greek Cypriots

• Fear of losing the support of Turkey in case of problems with G/C

• Fear that they will become second-class citizens

• G/C are rich so they can buy the properties of T/C and manipulate them

• Some are afraid to change the statue quo in northern part of Cyprus.(They benefit from the current conditions)

 Common concerns:

• There are too many interventions by other countries. The British dogma of “divide and rule” might continue to exist and the Americans and British will use Cyprus for their own interests.

• Fear of living in a divided island forever

• Fear of instability and uncertainty in economy and politics

• We have wasted too much time

• People are not ready to make compromises

• The mass media are making extreme use of propaganda

• Some G/C seem to be satisfied with the current situation in Cyprus and prefer the division than the reunification. In the meantime some T/C after the referendum and the extremely high percentage of those who rejected the Annan plan have started to believe that the G/C do not accept them as part of their society.

• Luck of trust towards politicians. The G/C show luck of trust towards Mehmet Ali Talat who before he became “prime minister” was thought to be a wind of change from the policy of Denktash. The T/C show luck of trust towards Demetris Christofias who as the leader of the left party should have supported the Annan plan.

Expectations

Expectations of Greek-Cypriots:

• Some wants a United Cyprus with equal rights but others want a united Cyprus under the political control of Greek-Cypriots

• Maintenance and improvement of the living standard

• Greek-Cypriots expect that the E.U will provide Cyprus a solution compatible with the laws and future constitution of the E.U. Now that Cyprus is a member of the E.U will have its support so there is no need to negotiate with the T/C.

• Fair solution of Cyprus problem. All the refugees return to their homes and take back their properties.

 Expectations of Turkish-Cypriots:

• The majority wants a United Cyprus but there are also those who want recognition of the T.R.N.C

• Jobs for everybody

• Better living standards

• They want to be a part of The European union

• Be a first class citizen and have the same rights with Greek-Cypriots

• No discrimination in jobs

• Civilization of the political system, democracy and respect of human rights

• Less interference by the army.

Common expectations

• A united island

• The respect of human rights

• Security

• Stability in economy

• Freedom

• Peace

All of the above are just what the participants of the project have thought to be the concerns and expectations of Cypriots. May be, there are some important factors that we did not include in our work.

We do not know of how much importance each factor is, or if it has many or few supporters.

These conclusions can only come out after a research.

Our work will be incomplete if we don’ t find out in which point, in what extend and what impact these concerns had on someone for his/her decision about accepting or not the Annan plan. So, a research needs to be done from which we will draw out our conclusions.

Our discussions showed that many concerns are based on stereotypes and these concerns can easily be washed out if the public is correctly informed.

The propaganda against the Annan plan unleashed by the mass media before the referendum, the separation of both communities for a very long period of time, the education at schools which promotes hatred, ignorance, loathing between the two communities   helped create false impressions about who we really are and what we can accomplish together. 

On the whole, by examining all of the factors we see that trust and the individual interest of people are very crucial in the process of finding a solution. The general conclusion of the discussion is that many concerns would not have taken place if there were trust between both communities. As a group we must find ways to build up feelings of trust between T/C and G/C.

Also, we should find ways to make people understand that they need to make sacrifices and give up from their individual self interests in order to achieve a common agreement on solution which will satisfy majority of Cypriots.

Suggestions

Now, what can we do as a group of young people to minimize or if possible eliminate false stereotypes and false impressions?

We can:

• Make a research to confirm our assumptions
• Promote common activities between young people. Common activities help create trust.
• Use the mass media to inform people
• Make a second research, which will help us show that some concerns are based on false stereotypes and superstition.

Other general ideas based on the question given to us “What do Cypriots want”?

Here are some other thoughts that were expressed during the weekend. These thoughts reflect what we look forward in the future for our island.

• Complete demilitarization of the island.

• Promote common policies. Form bi-communal parties, form a common tourist policy, form bi- communal trade unions, form a common chamber of commerce

• Promote cultural diversities

• Dispose the ideas of the great nation

• Promote the ideas of co-existence, peace, acceptance

• Minimize the role of church in politics. Stop being a country dominated by the church.