Six golden steps for Cyprus

The owls have started flying overhead again. They are somehow unaware that the world, and therefore Turkey, has changed.

Their resistance on Cyprus is the most vivid example of this. They have claimed the Annan peace plan process would lead to Sevres (the so-called Sevres document for the partition and sharing of Turkey by the victors of World War I). They branded it a document of surrender. Look at the point we have come to today.

Now they say "For God’s sake, don’t move further… Don’t move at all." The circles sharing this view cannot realize that they are halting the advancement of the country, whereas the dynamic of international relations requires Turkey to do just the opposite of what they say.

Let me explain by asking a question. What’s your goal regarding Cyprus?

If your goal is to make best use of the outcome of the referendum in the south, keep alive the advantageous position gained in the international arena, and develop and consolidate the separate identity and existence (not recognition) of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), there are things to be done and steps to be taken. This probability will safeguard the yields of the KKTC…
If your goal is to have celebrations that would last for few months, get something back starting with the European Union and the United Nations and waste your time listening to empty promises and lofty praises without achieving anything, then you should not make any move, lock your doors and windows and stay wherever you are and shiver in fears of "exploitation". This probability will guarantee that you land back in the seat of the guilty in less than six months’ time…
If you want to win back Cyprus…
I must say it again, if your aim in Cyprus is to beat the grape grower, then don’t make a move. Satisfy yourself with the false winds of the "Let’s defend the last Turkish state" rhetoric.

But if you want to eat grapes on Cyprus, continue the policy of being a step ahead that has been pursued so far. In order to convert the momentum gained into concrete earnings, continue puzzling the world…

What are these steps?

Those who don’t want Turkey to succeed will advise you to beat the grape grower. The greatest wish of Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos is to see Turkey becoming tougher. Knowing that such a position on the part of Ankara would strengthen his hand, he expects a reactionary move from Turkey.

I have spoken with Turkish experts who want Turkey to be the winner, efficient circles in the EU, experienced names of the United Nations and came up with a list. No one in Turkey is voicing these things. These were suggested as steps that Turkey might take "in order to eat grapes… to reach its ultimate goal."

1. Recognize southern Cyprus

The recognition of the southern Cyprus by Turkey, which has formally recognized the KKTC, will not bring about any disadvantage. On the contrary, in consolidates the thesis that Cyprus is composed of two separate entities (Turkish and Greek). By doing so Turkey will get rid of all drawbacks it may encounter in the EU in the future and will be seen as a demonstration of Ankara’s self-confidence.

2. Open the border gates, ask for ID cards

Open new border gates all along the border as you agreed in the Annan plan. And instead of asking for passports at border gates (which was for getting the KKTC recognized), announce that identification cards will be sufficient.

3. Open Maras immediately

Open Maras, which would have been handed over to the Greek Cypriots, to international investors, including Greek Cypriots. This way you encourage tourism investment and tourists coming to the north.

4. Harmonize with the EU

Harmonize KKTC laws with the EU. Don’t permit a single discrepency between the EU laws and KKTC laws. These efforts will boost the KKTC’s chances of attracting investment.

5. Change to current system

Turkey should stop seeing the KKTC as a small district of itself. It should stop handing over $500 million a year. Its people should stop getting wages as state servants. It should start to establish an economy. And most importantly, it should be rescued from being a center for illegally aquired funds from drugs and gambling.

6. Withdraw some troops

Withdraw even a small number of troops. 35,000 troops on an island as small as Cyprus is too much. Even if 5,000 troops are pulled out, there will be no danger, and moreover, the world will watch us in awe.

The cost zero, sale price very high
The experts I consulted believe this list could be expanded if wanted and that there could be important advantages of choosing some of the articles of the Annan plan for implementation.

"These steps cost nothing, are easy to implement and moreover, are parts of the Annan plan. Their cost is zero, but their sale price is very high. This is the art of winning by paying nothing in the international arena."

What do you think we should do?

Should we try to push for the KKTC to be recognized as a separate state or should we stay exactly where we are, fearing what could happen?

Should we be satisfied with patting each other’s backs?