Cyprus | What Do You Want to Know?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks again for all the great questions. I hope it managed to answer some of your questions people. As ever, do drop and comments or further questions below. By the way, and apologies for the shameless plug, if you are interested in reading more about the Cyprus Problem, can I recommend my introductory guide to the issue: amzn.to/3A1B81W

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

Hi, I’m just a Turkish Cypriot here. And I have some questions: 1) Why do you hate us? 2) Why are you supporting the Greek Cypriot position, even though it is based on illegality, illegitimacy, unconstitutionality, historical negationism and denialist strategies? 3) And I’m sorry in advance because this is a bit of a big one, though I’m also stunned to have to bring all of these things up: Why are you pretending the TRNC is not recognised, even though both you and I know it is de facto recognised by every country in the world, and is - this includes it’s courts, laws and then some - also to various extents de jure recognised by every state in the world? This third question is understandably warranting of an honest and to the point answer from you, especially considering that every pretence you have made in your videos that the TRNC is not “legal” comes from the official discourse and policies of the Greek occupied ROC government, which itself is considered illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional by the actual people of Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriots, and is itself in contravention of multiple international treaties and laws, including the Constitution, the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance, AND multiple international agreements including but not limited to the Zurich and London Agreements… meaning you are basing your observations regarding the legality of one state by citing the baseless claims of… and here’s the catch… an illegal and unrecognised state… also please bare in mind that the Greek occupied government in the south has also never in any part of its history circa 1974 had any sovereign jurisdiction or right over the Turkish Cypriots’ territories in the north, which it otherwise claims have “ceded” from it Thank you in advance for what I hope will be some honest answers. Sincerely, Mustafa Niyazi, descendant of a survivor of the Turkish Cypriot Genocide.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

@@officialmustafaniyazi Sir. ! by my opinion , the KEY word about the problem we are facing here .in our CYPRUS ,is RESPECT..! We all have to respect each others rights..! The main reson that our common state enters the EEU is right excactly this. The quarantor of ALL its Cytizens human rights..! Greeks, Turks ,Armenians ,Maronite's ,Latin's ..British..etc..! NO MORE , quarantor powers . England ,Greece & Turkey ,dane a lot against US all Cypriots ,with their dirty games..! TODAY for those they donot know.. one out of the six members in thr Europian Parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot ,been elected by the vodes of the Greek Cypriots..! about .. 120.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Republic of Cyprus.. ID's..! 80.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Republic of Cyprus.. Passport..! RESPECT..!

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

@@andrigeogiou8420 Nope. No respect for the Turkish Cypriots whatsoever. If you respect them then you will stop occupying the ROC government. You will apologise for the disgusting way you have treated them. You will stop implementing conscious policies of Genocide against them. You will stop degrading the Cyprus Problem to some minority-majority dichotomy along ethnic discriminatory lines. You will stop spreading hatred and propaganda against the Turkish Cypriots, their state, the TRNC, and Turkey. You will recognise their concerns and act upon them. And you accept that to be a real legitimate government you must be recognised by the Turkish Cypriots. Simple as. The decision to apply for EU membership. Unilateral. No Turkish Cypriots included in the decision making process. No consultation. Nothing. England and Turkey have done nothing to you. Greece has been nothing short of conniving and barbaric. And the Greek Cypriots, with Greece, are to blame for all the island’s problems. Sorry. But that’s just the reality. And this has nothing to do with opinions. And Niyazi Kızılyürek is a member of a pro-enosis political party in south Cyprus. He does not represent Turkish Cypriots. He was not voted for by the Turkish Cypriots, democratically or otherwise. All you’re doing is giving us more and more examples of how the Greek Cypriots try to impose their decisions on the Turkish Cypriots. You’re shooting yourself in the foot. And by believing these things and presenting them to me as you have, as if to justify it, all you’re doing is showing massive disrespect. Not just to me. To all Turkish Cypriots. To their state. To everything that matters to them. That, I’m afraid, is not very honest on your part, and I implore you to RESPECT the Turkish Cypriots and their very valid opinions and security concerns. Please RESPECT Turkey for what it has done. And please please please respect yourself and have the decency to recognise what the continued Greek occupation of the ROC government, and, Greek Cypriot society generally speaking, represents.

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

@lati long I did not say “the west as represented by Prof”. I asked the professor directly without any reference to any other party. I want to know why he hates us. And yes, he does, in the way he opposes us at each and every single opportunity he gets and never provides a balanced history or view of Cyprus that respects us, instead attacking us by using the hatred the Greeks and Greek Cypriots have for us, especially in the way he repeats rhetoric that either is directly or has the effect of representing hatred towards us. Unless if he can answer this question honestly and openly and apologise for the incredibly unbalanced misinformation, disinformation and malinformation which he has been spreading about us and our island and it’s history.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

@@officialmustafaniyazi .. Genocide.! is actually a big word..! YES..! Greek Cypriots ,criminals daned real crimes during the Turkey's invatiion ..! UNFORTUNATELY .. in excact similar time , ten times more crimes was happening against the Greek Cypriots.! Mr.Niazi , .. I can understand even the hate you most probably have still against the Greek Cypriots ...! ..I apologize to you about ..as a Greek Cypriot..! BUT.. the future of our common CYPRUS must be much BETTER..!

[@MYBTheGusbo]

I have to honestly say that this is one of the most informative and, in my opinion, most accurate videos out there, that I have seen, regarding the Cyprus issue and its sub-elements . I want to thank you for creating and putting this video out there all the way from South Korea as a Turkish Cypriot !

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Mert. I really appreciate it. I just hope that something can be done to solve this issue. It has done too much damage for too long.

[@ismailtaskran9740]

@What Aboutism Taşınmış işte, belki üniversite okuyordur.

[@ismailtaskran9740]

@What Aboutism Kolay mı yav Oxford’a girmek. Ona öylesi nasip olmuştur, ne bileyim. Uk dışına gidebilir Rum pasaportu varsa.

[@georgephilis]

Your knowledge and presentation of the Cyprus Problem is amazing, better than the average cypriot expert. I think you navigate through nuances very well, but our generation also needs to address head on all the topsy turvies on the issue that no longer can be ignored. If people can do this responsibly, it would be people like you. Lazarus come forth!!!!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much George. Cyprus is very much a part of me. My ties to the island go back 32 years. I first arrived as an 18 year old and was immediately hooked. It really is a wonderful place. I miss it enormously. Let’s hope there may still be a chance to finding a lasting settlement.

[@FreelancerFinancialsUK]

Such a great video. I’m a British born Cypriot and I’m fascinated by your love and knowledge of Cyprus. I must say I agree with many of your views. One of the other reasons why the Greek Cypriot community voted against the Annan plan was the deployment of some 40,000 mainland Turkish soldiers on the Island. Unfortunately, as long as Erdogan is in power in Turkey there will never be a solution in Cyprus. You should read the book Cyprus Conspiracy, it’s very enlightening. Good job professor.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Yes , you are totally right . Was e all know that the nation of Turkey, played dirty games against my country Cyprus since 1958, through our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots. A minority of 18% , that is been found with rights, over rights actually, with the establishment of our common state. The Republic of Cyprus ,back at early 60s. , as about their participation in our common states rulings and functions . A participation like they were 30%-40% of the islands population , YET, they blew them up ,following instructions from Turkey . They actually took the arms against their own state The main reasons, that the Republic of Cyprus, enters the EEU, ,is right exactly for the guarantee and respect of all it's citizens human rights ALL CYPRIOTS human rights Greeks ,Turks, Maronite's, Armenians, Latin's ..British ..etc No more quarantor powers We all suffered enough from their policies Today , One out of the six members of Cyprus, in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots . RESPECT of course ,and we , Greek Cypriots, voted negative to this ANNAN plan . The plan was giving to our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots , rights like they are 50% ,of the islands population , AND ,we still have Turkey with quarantor rights . Reticules isn't it ? For proofs , about what I'm saying here PLEASE search about.. " Rauf Denktash shocking confession "..! " Dervis Ali Kavazoglu kendi sesinden ".! " A Turkish Cypriot confession ".!

[@hellogamiesai6135]

The reasons why the Cypriot working class voted NO is pure innocent, for some is stupidity for others is ignorance. Same difference with the British voting Out from EU... Lacking political education.

[@luxembourgishempire2826]

Thanks for this James! Cyprus is fascinating! And thanks even MORE for answering my question! It's fascinating to see your views on this! Enjoy the island James!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much LE. It's been rather a long stay here. But it has been great to be back in Cyprus. I have missed it.

[@mettz]

Thank you so much. This is probably the best video I've ever seen on Cyprus. For so many years I've seen only one side told on the Cyprus issue but you represented both sides so well with fact and a level of the highest knowledge on the Cyprus issue, and I think this issue needs that level of knowledge. I'd love for you to keep making these Cyprus videos if possible, I think it gives not just neutrals a better level of understanding but I also think it gives both sides a better level of understanding of the other sides story and thoughts. Thank you again, from a Turkish Cypriot friend.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Met. I really appreciate it. Cyprus has really been my life. It’s just so utterly tragic that after all these decades working on it, it still remains divided.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Met. I really appreciate it. Cyprus has really been my life. It’s just so utterly tragic that after all these decades of effort, it still remains divided.

[@mettz]

@@JamesKerLindsay It is tragic. Your reference to identity resonated with me a lot. I see myself as Turkish Cypriot and not having that remembrance of our historical struggle, and also our current isolation can become very frustrating so thanks again for your great work.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Professor..! I'm SO glad seen and positive thoughts from our compatriots Turkish Cypriots . Well , as I wrote and elsewhere ..the CYPRUS issue , by my opinion is a matter of respect. ! RESPECT..! WE ALL , CYPRIOTS ,have to respect each other's rights..! The main reason that the Republic of CYPRUS enters EEU is right excactly ..this one..! The quarantee , of ALL CYPRIOTS human rights..,! NO more , quarantor powers..! AND the tree of them.. England Greece & Turkey .. they played enough with their dirty games against US CYPRIOTS..! .. TODAY.. for those they don't know. one out of the six members of CYPRUS in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots..! about 120.000 Turkish Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic..ID..! about 80 000 Turkish Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic.. Passport..! We ALL expect from Turkey to respect the independence of our common state..! RESPECT....

[@mariosbardis4831]

Just a point I want to make on 2:22. I personally rejected the plan since the settlers would be allowed to stay. Many settlers are strongly aligned to Turkey and there are a lot more extremists as well, like the Grey Wolves who murdered Tasos Isaak. The bizonal bicommunal federation is really the only realistic solution, that avoids another war, but it has to consist of a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot community, not a Greek Cypriot and Turkish community. That is unacceptable. These people are not Cypriots and they have no place in the island. They settled as a means to ethnically cleanse the occupied area and alter the demographics, which is a war crime. But you are right that there is no political will to find an actual solution and the people didnt really realise what a bizonal bicommunal federation would look like. But the settlers are a major problem in my opinion.

[@andrewmorehead3704]

As an outside observer, what you’re asking for seems inhumane and practically impossible. Do you forcibly remove these “settlers”, many of which have likely had homes in Cyprus for several decades? Some of these people must have spent most or all of their lives on the island, even if they were originally from the mainland. How do you go about determine the exact criteria for someone being a settler and how do you compensate them for the lives the built up for several years? Finally, is there much hard data showing that these settlers are significantly more extreme than the previous population? A cursory search yields propaganda without much data.

[@mirandapillsbury7885]

yeah but so are all the Greeks from mainland Greece moving into Cyprus or the Russian immigrants who are all orthodox and clearly are sympathetic towards the Greek side. No one consulted the Turkish Cypriots if they were ok with those "settlers" either. I think you need to have wider perspective on that point.

[@Invictus_Mithra]

As an outsider, he makes the issue seem so simple but I had a feeling things would be much more complicated if you got the opinions of natives from both sides. I think your reason for rejecting the plan sounds justified. Look at how russia is exerting their power on other countries that have large russian minority in them, which started due to russians settling in those countries during the soviet union.

[@VladTevez]

@@andrewmorehead3704 Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, settling your citizens in an occupied area is a war crime. Imagine if UN recognizes exceptions on war crimes. In Jeffrey's Cole "Ethnic Groups of Europe: An Encyclopedia", 2011, p. 97 the settlers are estimated to be 50% of the population in occupied Cyprus

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks for the reply Marios,. I know that many people felt unhappy about the settlers. But at that stage the evidence suggested that many in fact tended to adopt Turkish Cypriot values, although that has seemingly now changed. There was also an important humanitarian element, which I discussed at length but cut out for reasons of time. Many Turkish settlers were second and third generation by the time of the Annan Plan. While there was the issue of the illegal attempt to change the demographics, the human reality is that Cyprus was the only home many of them knew. Sending them 'home' to Turkey would have in fact meant sending then away from all that they had ever known. I think it is important to bear in mind the human consequences of the policy.

[@mariavm9178]

This update was great. Thank you, Prof. Ker-Lindsay.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Maria. I really appreciate it. I’d wanted to do something on Cyprus for a long time.

[@mariavm9178]

@@JamesKerLindsay You've educated many of us on the fascinating history and events of Cyprus. Because of you I will visit it for sure! Here's to you reaching 100K subscribers soon!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@mariavm9178 Thanks so much. It’s quite a milestone. Certainly not what I expected when I set this up a few years ago. :-)

[@VladTevez]

Papadopoulos made his proposals, by were not taken into account by the UN. On the contrary, all Turkish proposals, on March 26 in Burgenstock, passed into Annan 5. It became way too unbalanced...

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. But I would disagree. I wrote a book on the 2001-2004 UN process (I was living in Cyprus throughout). I interviewed a lot of those involved and the overwhelming message I got was that Papadopoulos did not engage with the process. He wanted to present it as being contrary to GC interests and so did nothing to address issues that could and should have been tackled.

[@VladTevez]

@@JamesKerLindsay I believe the plan was going to be rejected anyway in the referendums, irrespective of Papadopoulos stance. Perhaps the initial Annan Plan had a slight chance, but Annan 5 was doomed. Anyway, despite our disagreement on this subject, is always a pleasure to speak with you and watching your videos! (P.S. I've read Jan Koura's book about CY and Czechoslovak relations, you are cited a lot, congrats!)

[@tombuddy100]

I find it strange that Turkish Cypriots (or settlers from Turkey) tend to claim or complain that Greek Cypriot cannot stand Turkish Cypriots in their midst, and that is the main problem. That is funny, because "TRNC" is virtually devoid of non-Turks, and everything is Turkified (from large Turkish flags and Ataturk statues to "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Forever" inscriptions), whereas southern part of Cyprus, which Turks tend to call "Greek Cyprus", is rather multi-ethnic and accepting of others.

[@chrisk105]

A very fair, balanced and accurate account. It is true that the origins of the Cy Prob belong to different times with different people and different mentalities under very different circumstances. Today we have neighbours from all over the world and having a TC/GC neighbour will not raise eyebrows. Still beginning largely separate and letting things flow is the answer. 85% of the legislation is now voted at the EU level so potential disputes will be minimized. There are thousands of TCs working in the ROC area and tens of thousands come and go daily in both directions. It is time to take into account these facts as well.

[@oihanlarranegi472]

Thanks for answering my question James, I feel really honored :) I wish you talked a bit more about the position of Greece itself on the matter, but thanks nonetheless.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

In general Greek politicians are backing whatever decisions the Greek Cypriot side makes and are extremely uncomfortable with proposing things to their Cypriot counterparts because of the gilt about the coup and what followed With the only exception being the Annan plan where Greece backed the plan but Greek Cypriot was " nope" but that's a different story

[@oihanlarranegi472]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous good to know, thanks.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous Thanks Pavlos. Completely agree on all points. Interestingly, in 2004, Greece had to tread rather carefully. It was aware that if it pushed too hard there was the danger that GCs would have said that it was all very well for Athens to push Cyprus into an unpopular deal when it had been in charge part responsible for creating the mess. But I agree it did as much as it could under the circumstances.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. The Greek position, as Pavlos explained, is to essentially follow the Greek Cypriot line. Greece doesn't want enosis now. But the actual political and social relationship between Greece and Grece and between Greeks and Greek Cypriots is fascinating. As I mentioned, I have lived in both countries and so have had a chance to discuss this at length. It's complicated is an understatement!

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@JamesKerLindsay we have also to remember that Cypriot politicians have their fan club here in Greece especially in conservative cycles, being less of hardliner than the Cypriot ones it might be considered a sort of " betrayal" I mean a running joke is that it seems like the Greek Cypriot politicians are better than the mainland ones and that we " shouldn't had tried to annex Cyprus in the first place, Cyprus should had annex us ! "

[@TwentyZZ24]

As a Cypriot, this is the first time I see someone talks about the Cyprus problem on Yotube better than Cypriots themselves. Thank you for your effort for being objective as a Turkish Cypriot. Peace is near I hope.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I completely agree. Let’s hope that a way can be found to resolve things.

[@140992max]

Hello James. Fascinating videos and I love your book as well. I love here in Cyprus. I am married to a Turkish Cypriot but work and spend a lot of time in the south. I often find myself in social situations where TCs and GCs mix. From my perspective the tension you mentioned is very real. Seeing barbed wire and automatic weapons is uncomfortable and even the moderates on both side have certain entrenched opinions. Further more crossing can often be awkward. From my experience there is far more common culture than many Cypriots would care to admit. A solution would provide many benefits, particularly if we saw a change in leadership in Turkey that wanted to strengthen it's relationship with Europe. From my personal perspective life is somewhat cheaper in the North, beaches are less busy and there are more family owned independent businesses. I do want a unified island without barbed wire where I can walk from across the divide freely. In your opinion what other tangible, day to day, benefits could a solution provide for those living here today?

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

We all expect from Turkey to make a step back ,and finally let us CYPRIOTS to live happy on our island..! You see , The main reason that the Republic of CYPRUS enters the EEU , mainly is for the quarantee of ALL CYPRIOTS human rights.,! WE , ALL CYPRIOTS have to respect each other's rights..! after that..! BOOM..! ..the CYPRUS problem ,..will be finished..! TODAY you should know that.. One out of the six members of CYPRUS on the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots..! about . 120.000 Turkish Cypriots have a CYPRUS Republic..IDs..! 80.000 from them got a CYPRUS Republic .. passports..!

[@140992max]

@@vasosglykeriou8738 👍

[@issith7340]

If you wand a cyprus without barbed frontiers , you sould consider that the invading army who installed them after 1974 , have to ho back to turkey and leave the island in peace and without barbed lines.

[@pavlarasts]

Hi James, I first became aware of your work when I did some work on Disaster Diplomacy and its impact on Greek - Turkish Relations around 20 years ago. Appreciate your in depth analysis on the Cyprus problem, and your passion for our beautiful, troubled island.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. That takes me back! I wrote a piece on the issue based on my experiences working on the 1999 Greek-Turkish rapprochement after the earthquakes that year. It was an incredible time. So much hope. It is sad to see relations between the two countries at such a low point now. But, on a personal note, it has been so nice to be back in Cyprus. I have missed it enormously!

[@giannb5145]

Professor, I am a Greek Cypriot living in London (one of many). Congratulations on this video, overall I liked it (I have some disagreements of course, but this is Cyprus we're discussing, so...) and hopefully you will help educate the people who will see it and have no idea of the complex history of the conflict. Let me give you a fairly mainstream Greek Cypriot reading of the situation and our options: * The status quo is the best out of the bad options available * Engagement has failed, in the sense that although lots of Turkish Cypriots now accept the idea of a United Cyprus, they still demand excessive (in our view) privileges and insist on bizonality (even the most progressive among them) which isn't really different from what Turkey asks. So we get the same intransigence but in a more beautiful language. * The EU is seen as a joke (the British media don't have the privilege of being the only ones to trash the EU). We especially can't stand hearing how "The EU fully supports Cyprus" without doing anything to sanction Erdogan.

[@tombuddy100]

Turkish Cypriots, who complain that Greek Cypriots cannot stand them in their midst, insist on bizonality, rather than supporting that everybody return where they came from, or where they were expelled from, and living together.

[@johni9073]

The "sanctions" on Turkey are the refusal to open many "chapters" in preparation for EU membership by harmonising values and standards. Can you give me the rationale for this policy, especially when it concerns key topics for common values - to which the EU is espoused - such as education, fundamental rights and justice? I can, - even if no EU politician ever gets asked or could spell it out clearly. The EU's objective is currently NOT to be a real union based on values, but an alternative superpower that can go around "punching" others, "above its weight", as so many of its supporters often claim.

[@giannb5145]

@@johni9073 Well, "common values" means a commitment to democracy, fundamental rights and opposing things like armed invasion and ethnic cleansing, which is exactly what Turkey did to us in 1974. I don't expect anybody to know or care about Cyprus, but the EU should have done a lot more if it really was serious

[@amei653]

What would be gained from sanctioning Turkey?

[@giannb5145]

@@amei653 Isn't it obvious? Turkey illegally occupies territory and engagement has failed spectacularly to make it withdraw.

[@philo8040]

Thank-you for your video and all your others; they are greatly received. I have a Question which I have never had satisfactorily answered, and that is how does reunification actually benefit the Greek-Cypriots (Republic of Cyprus)? I have asked a number of people over the years, including AI (recently) and all the answers I get only ever seem to benefit the occupied territories. AI gave me a substantial list of benefits and when I asked it if the reasons it had listed were ACTUALLY of benefit to Republic of Cyprus it agreed that they either were not or only in a minimalistic way. I may be wrong (and am happy to concede with good reason), but the sense I get from you regarding the benefits is more ideal (geographic unity or solving an apparent problem or something else) than it is to attain some form of just resolution (however naive the pursuit of justice is in this case).

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. This is a really great question. Personally, I support reunification because I have always felt that the division is unnatural and unstable and because the island is too small to be divided in this way. Reunification won't be easy, but I still think that it will produce many wider economic, political, and social benefits. Many studies have shown that there will be a peace dividend. Also, the Green Line remains highly militarised. While it seems calm, tensions can easily flare. Also, Turkey is drifting in a very worrying direction. The line creates a point of friction that could be a source of direct tension between Turkey and the EU. But I can see why many Greek Cypriots privately argue (and it has even been rumoured President Anastasiades privately spoke about it) that as difficult as it is to accept the loss of the north, it does mean that they have their own state and don't have the complex problems of trying to work across two communities that have become very different and where there is considerable mistrust.

[@philo8040]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thanks for your response: I identified five different points (I hope I haven't misrepresented you) 1. the first four appear from my limited point of view to be based on a house of cards, underscored by the presumption of good will on the side of Turkey - reunification is needed because the current situation is unstable/unnatural - The militarized nature of the Green Line is highlighted as a potential source of conflict, suggesting that reunification could alleviate this tension. - the division creates friction between Turkey and the EU and reunification would somehow correct that - benefits outweigh the challenges The problem with this is that it has never really shown any good will on the international stage and is generally a provocateur stirring up tensions e.g. provocation in Cyprus with the establishment of a pseudo state etc; provocation against Greece with literally 1000s of incursions of their airspace and claims upon their islands; antagonism toward the EU i.e. disputes over democracy, law, foreign policy, genocide etc; NATO i.e. purchase of S400s etc - indeed, the bottom line is it is not a team player 2. More substantial (for me) is your fifth point - reunification could yield significant economic, political, and social benefits, including a "peace dividend" But then again, would this reunification simply allow Turkey more leverage over the Island; it cannot be trusted to stay out of Cypriot politics and economic affairs, can it? 3. I'm quite conscious of my own bias, but there are material facts from which to draw from in relation to the trust factor. Also, I have recently reflected upon the process of conflict resolution, which I acknowledge may be less about justice and more about equitable order. But the latter can only be what it needs to be when the two are equal in power, and even if it were about equitable order, then both must leave the bargaining table unhappy - Could either side do that?

[@frantzeskosioannou8496]

@@philo8040 I am also for reunification but you bring up some good points. Who will guarentee that when reunification occurs that the north wont just accept the legitimacy bestowed upon them by the agreement and then continue to do what they want anyway. Im open to change but trust is an issue since they have no one to answer to. There is a tendency for Turkey to renegotiate a deal even when its been agreed upon.

[@GPhoenixR21]

Can you make a video about the negotiations between Anastasiades and Akinci? Thanks for your work!

[@jonahnicholas8310]

Great video, as always. I really learned a lot!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much Jonah. I know it was rather in the long side, but I hope it clarified a few things.

[@briancops3798]

Thank you for this very informative video! It really helps in understanding the Cyprus issue.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Brian. Always really appreciated.

[@nielsrosink5051]

Thank you for this video James. Having visited Cyprus myself, I really hope they will unify. Thank you for giving me a deeper look into this issue.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Niels. I hope you enjoyed it. It really is an incredible place, isn’t it!? I also still hope the island can be reunited. But, sadly, I’m not very optimistic as things stand.

[@nielsrosink5051]

@@JamesKerLindsay Yes, it is incredible, but also sad and fascinating at the same time. I am not very optimistic either, but time will tell.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Mr.James . Professor.. What , by your opinion should the CYPRUS Republic side could to , more ..for a solution to be found. ! as long we are in the UN resolutions..! after all ,WE are the weak side..! as I can see , Turkey , is going to play with its own terms for ever..!

[@parisayiomamitis2683]

A truly excellent analysis of the situation. By far the best I've seen in the many decades I've followed the issue. Ur understanding of the problem is thorough, balanced and fair. The questions u selected to answer were also excellent, and ur nuanced analysis of Greek Cypriot identity viz a viz Greece and the Greek nation is spot on. It would be no exaggeration to say that this video should be sent to all those dealing with the issue at the UN and EU. It would be very helpful. Very impressive. I look forward to reading and seeing more of ur work. Hats off to u

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

His analysis is not factual, thorough, balanced or fair. It is loaded with misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and rumours.

[@parisayiomamitis2683]

@@officialmustafaniyazi Hi. Can you please back up ur assertion. I dread to think what you would say if he dwelled more on Turkey's role - i.e Turkish settlers, Turkification of north, troops etc.

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

@@parisayiomamitis2683 I also challenge him show us whether or not he has cross-verified and fact-checked everything with multiple strong and reliable third-party sources.

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

@@parisayiomamitis2683 Because I submit to Mr. Lindsay, you and anyone else reading this that unless he can do so then - as the bare minimum - the reliability of his contributions must be brought into question and thoroughly reviewed.

[@officialmustafaniyazi]

I already wrote to Mr. Lindsay in a stand-alone thread as well as others and I see no need to reinvent the wheel, so I’ll provide part of it here, for your reference: “Hi, I’m just a Turkish Cypriot here. And I have some questions: … 2) Why are you supporting the Greek Cypriot position, even though it is based on illegality, illegitimacy, unconstitutionality, historical negationism and denialist strategies? 3) And I’m sorry in advance because this is a bit of a big one, though I’m also stunned to have to bring all of these things up: Why are you pretending the TRNC is not recognised, even though both you and I know it is de facto recognised by every country in the world, and is - this includes it’s courts, laws and then some - also to various extents de jure recognised by every state in the world? This third question is understandably warranting of an honest an dot the point answer from you, especially considering that every pretence you have made in your videos that is not “legal” comes from the official discourse and policies of the Greek occupied ROC government, which itself is considered illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional by the actual people of Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriots, and is itself in contravention of multiple international treaties and laws, including the Constitution, the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of Alliance, AND multiple international agreements including but not limited to the Zurich and London Agreements… meaning you are basing your observations regarding the legality of one state by citing the baseless claims of… and here’s the catch… an illegal and unrecognised state… also please bare in mind that the Greek occupied government in the south has also never in any part of its history circa 1974 had any sovereign jurisdiction or right over the Turkish Cypriots’ territories in the north, which it otherwise claims have “ceded” from it Thank you in advance for what I hope will be some honest answers. Sincerely, Mustafa Niyazi, descendant of a survivor of the Turkish Cypriot Genocide.”

[@rogerdarthwell5393]

Lovely video!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much Roger. I really appreciate it, as always. Have a great weekend.

[@rogerdarthwell5393]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you so much!

[@TheSwedishHistorian]

I think free movement of people and a good trade agreement across the island is the best that can be hoped for

[@elijahrafols4608]

Thank you for a great video as always. Two questions that popped into my head while watching was: 1) What are the lessons/key takeaways of this issue? 2) How can those lessons/key takeaways be applied to similar issues across the globe, such as Serbia/Kosovo, Israel/Palestine/Jerusalem, the Korean Peninsula, and Morocco/Western Sahara.

[@TheThOdOr1s]

I think the key lesson is that almost all myths dispelled in this QnA originate from the Turkish side. That historically, Greek Cypriots are not uniquely responsible for the lack of political will, Turkish Cypriots were not and are not forced away from institutions, that Turkey can't just anex N. Cyprus as a solution, that Greek Cypriots don't want union with Greece, and that there isn't really a path to widespread recognition for the TRNC. The common thread in all of these is that they represent the lack of options the North and Turkey have. As such, the takeaway is that the Greek side negotiates from a position of strenght, and the Turkish side from a position of weakness. Greek Cypriots are benefiting from the status quo and Turkish Cypriots are not. And this is not a good environment for a solution right now.

[@TheSociate]

I love how the British left behind countries that are divided, after giving "independence" to most of the territories they invaded. They now have the advantage of being the negotiator, but the instability in these countries is certainly advantageous to them. It's a shame to see the chaos that Post-Ottoman lands are experiencing; it's like a 200-year-old scar that never stopped bleeding...

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

22:29 the teasing thing is a very Greek habit in general, if you put Greeks from northern Greece, from Athens, Cyprus, Germany, United States and Australia together you probably going to get a very explosive mixture 😄 you know like a family coming together in holidays because they miss eachother only to end up fighting? 😄😄 And that's one of the reasons why been drafted in the Greek army is such an experience Especially if your last name is screaming " Cypriot" 😄😉

[@bramgiraffe4135]

Great insights!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you!

[@dainomite]

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question James! Thanks much sir! I look forward to watching all your videos. Cheers!

[@Randomstuffs261]

I've always wondered : How do the Cypriots in general feel about the British presence on the Island? Are they hostile, in favor, or just somewhat neutral?

[@gaaracuz]

i live next to the english base, they basically settled in and created a mini english colony, big fenced out area where they built houses, fenced out military base with a school inside, shooting range, active english soldiers, golf course, english police etc. but it's very neutral most job positions have Greek Cypriots working there, my grandfather was a military officer in the base and my friend works in the english police

[@eliassolomou5503]

The majority dislike all foreign military presence on the isle so its not specifically that its british. Relations since 74 have been cordial to good but there were two specific incidents that ruined a lot of the good will that was built up over the years. Specifically the rape and murder by briitish servicemen of a dutch lady and near murder of her cypriot boyfriend. Having said that id have to add and clarify further and say that both greek cypriots and turkish cypriots dislike Britain's role in the cyprob mess but there is zero ill will to the british people and ive witnessed good relations between cypriots and brits that have settled in cyprus.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Elias. I would completely agree. As I often say, I’ve encountered lots of anti-British views in the 32 years I have been involved with Cyprus. But I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have personally been subjected to abuse because I am British. I still remember when I was doing my PhD. I interviewed Tasos Papadopoulos. It was a Friday evening and he invited me to a meeting at his law office in Nicosia. He sat me down with a whisky and opened his cigarette box and proceeded to launch into an anti-British tirade. (I wrote my thesis on Britain and the 1963-64 Cyprus Crisis, when he was a very young government minister.) But not once did I feel uncomfortable at a personal level. Quite the contrary. He was very hospitable and engaging. (In fact pretty much everyone was. I was incredibly fortunate the I just caught that generation of Cypriot leaders. I also interviewed Denktash, Kyprianou, Lyssarides, Orek, Ziartides, amongst others. Real first hand Cyprus history!) Cyprus is incredibly welcoming to British people and there is a very close relationship between the two countries. It is strained at times - and the horrific case you mentioned was awful (I remember it well) - but behind the scenes there is actually a lot more going on than people might realise.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Yes. Indeed. But it’s also perhaps worth mentioning to those who haven’t been to Cyprus that the fenced off parts are in fact only a part of the Bases. It isn’t all closed off. Large parts are inhabited by Cypriots and there are villages and lots of farmland in the area. In many places you wouldn’t know you’re on the Bases, until you get pulled over by SBA police for speeding. They are strict about that! :-)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Great question. You’ll see my other answers. It is obviously extremely complex. But most ordinary Cypriots, especially Greek Cypriots, can differentiate their views on British foreign policy and the Bases from their personal interaction with British people. And the ties between Cyprus and Britain are all around. I have always found it incredible easy to be here, especially as I am a Greek speaker. I always feel very at home in Cyprus. And I think most Cypriots find it easy to adapt to the U.K., especially as compared to other nationalities.

[@ahmetkbrsl9302]

As a Cypriot I believe that 2014 Annan Plan should come to the table again and both sides should work just a bit on it and solve this Cyprus issue. I believe it will be solved in 2 years time. Thanks for the video and thanks to both sides who live on this beautiful island in PEACE for years. No war Make love ❤

[@nrew915]

2004* if they remove intervention rights, allow both greek cypriots and turkish cypriots to move back into their homes. and remove all illegal turkish settlers and troops then we will have a deal

[@georgedevries3992]

Ah yes the Annan Plan that's favorable not to the Cypriots (yes both of them), but to Turkey instead and no one else. So how about a big fat no on this one? :)

[@thebalkanhistorian.3205]

As a Greek, I recognize the fact that Greek Cypriots are responsible for the rejection of some deals since 2004, but the Annan Plan wasn’t the best. Here are some reasons: 1. The Turkish Cypriot state, would have been integrated to Turkey. Therefore the United Republic would have been answerable to Turkey. 2. Turkey would have had the right to intervene unfairly in some treaties like the EEZs. The right to its own southern continental shelf would have been answerable to Turkey. 3. Turkey was still allowed to station troops in the island. 4. Political representation is unfair and disproportionate, with Turkish Cypriots only making 18% of the islands population. Therefore they deserve 18% of the political representation. 5. The Plan used the word federation when it would function as a confederation. Plus foreigners would get a vote in Cypriot affairs along with the unfair amount of Turks in government. 6. The Plan did not discuss the situation of Turkish Cypriots living on former Greek Cypriot property. 7. Almost all Turkish settlers from the mainland would be granted citizenship, massively changing the demographics. The central government would also have limited control in immigration from Turkey. The settlers brought too change the demographic by Turkey would stay, as turkey had no responsibility over repatriation. 8. The Plan went against the Geneva Convention, Article 49, the last paragraph which prohibits an occupying power to transfer its own citizens to an occupied territory. 9. The Plan did not talk about the demilitarization of the TRNC so there was no proof to show that the Turks would uphold their promise on withdrawing troops. 10. Cyprus would not be included in European defense and foreign policy, yet Turkish troops would remain in Cyprus thus making true independence impossible. 11. The Right of Return was bias and unfair as only 20% of Greek Cypriots refugees would be able to return over a span of 25 years, yet Turkish Cypriot refugees would have full rights to return. 12. The Plan took away rights that other EU citizens had. 13. Turkish demands would have been completed in the hours following the referendum while Greek demands and interests would be made long term. 14. The Turkish army has three and half years to withdraw, with no guarantee that they will and the Greek proposal to put the occupied North under UN control was denied. 15. SBAs were not addressed. 16. The Plan pardoned Turkey of all responsibility of the war crimes committed and damages to property. The ECOHR found Turkey guilty of violating articles of the European Convention of Human Rights (I won’t go into detail) and Turkey would not have to pay reparations. 17. The Plan undermined the authority of Greek Cypriots on their property in occupied areas. 18. British citizens who illegally bought Greek property from occupiers would not be held accountable for their illegal actions. 19. The economic costs of unification would be forced in the Greek Cypriots, and them alone. 20. Greek Cypriots would have not been allowed to make up more than 6% of the population in areas controlled by the North. Therefore they could not open their own schools, churches, and other institutions and once the 6% limit was reached they would be prevented from having children. 21. Greek Cypriot refugees that returned to their homes would have no civil rights as Turkish officials would only be voted in by Turkish Cypriots. It also would place restrictions on how Greeks may return to their property. 22. The economy of Cyprus would have been separate with the plan. No investments by Greeks would be allowed in Turkish areas and there would be no common general economic policy. 23. The demand that the plan be fulfilled before Cyprus joined the EU was seen as an attempt to stop European law from reaching Cyprus with the violations the Annan Plan commits. Many Turkish officials demanded the EU to accept all parts of the Plan even if they violated law. Anyways, I hope this shows why the Greek Cypriots rejected the unjust and unfair plan.

[@giuc100]

Aldın mı cevabını Ahmet Beyi....Belki o koca kafan anlar bunların ne olduğunu. Adayı ayağımızın altından çekmeden anlaşmaz bunlar anla bir zahmet artık

[@VladTevez]

Your answer about the isolation of T/Cs was spot on!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I have long argued this point. But equally one gets the sense that international patience may be wearing thin - especially as many now feel that GC interest in a settlement is waning. I don't think that countries will recognise the TRNC, but many are asking whether it is fair to keep them isolated. The thing is that while the current TC leadership is talking about two states, there is little sympathy for ending isolation. As I wrote in one academic article, the paradox is that the more the Turkish Cypriot leadership commits to reunification, the less isolated they are. Simply put, hardline positions and punished and moderate positions are rewarded.

[@VladTevez]

@@JamesKerLindsay That was the essence in the 60's. The Turkish Cypriots even before 1963 wanted to segregate (keeping TMT fully operational, refusing the common, mixed army, setting road-blocks against Greek Cypriot tax-collectors, blocking the House's functions) and the Greek Cypriot leadership instead of being constructive, pushed to refuse the agreed separate municipalities and formed its own militia. The Republic of Cyprus for both was a failure, a step to the goal, enosis and taksim respectively

[@glitchyikes]

A loose federation will not work, we have seen what is happenning in Bosnia, where peoples continue to live and rule separated, with suspicion across different communities. Furthermore, true unification will never happen as nationalists on different sides continue to stir separatist sentiments. For a nation to work, the two sides should be encouraged to mix to dispel the distrust between the communities. If both sides are not willing to form a state together, it would be more beneficial to exist as separate nations. Which will being precedent efforts to tinderbox areas like Palestine, Taiwan issues.

[@brianfoley4328]

It takes a substantial amount of intellectual and moral courage to take on such a difficult scenario and to do it with such clarity and do it so well...kudos. To have a successful deal you have to have two groups willing to "deal" and that doesn't exist on Cyprus. The United Nations is an institution best suited to supporting the status quo, not actually solving problems, especially problems like Cyprus ( or Haiti or DR Congo or Bosnia etc., etc., etc.). The only way to solve Cyprus' issues is to force a settlement on Cyprus. Unfortunately there is still a place in the world for "Gunboat diplomacy", some problems just need a "Bigger Hammer", sad but true.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Force a settlement..! Right. ! .. force against whom. ? ..if the western countries was to the side of justice , ..like they puss today with Ukraine , ..the CYPRUS problem could of gone long ago .! They was just ignored us. ! ....

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Brian. I think the UN really finds itself in an impossible position. The problem is that on the one hand it is the UN as a bureaucratic organisation that leads on settlement efforts. But it is the UN as an organisation of member states. The UN team can only push a far and as hard as the Security Council will let it. I fully accept that the UN has made mistakes over the years. But it is important to acknowledge the very serious political constraints it faces.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Vasos. I hear this a lot. But the situations are very different. It isn’t as simple as saying that Turkey invaded in 1974 and the world should have forced it out. Turkey invaded after a Greek coup aimed at annexing Cyprus. Greece wanted to seize the island. (Often forgotten.) Had Turkey not acted then would you be saying that the world should be attacking Greece to reclaim Cyprus’s independence? Also it took place during the Cold War. This affected reactions.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

@@JamesKerLindsay ..Mr.James.. Reading / searching for all those years ..I have the conclusion that in 74 , GREECE , ( that time was ruled by a military junta ).... actually played dirty against us Greek Cypriots..! Following instructions from the Americans/ Kissinger..NATO ,CIA..and of course England was behind everything ).. From 1971-74 , playing with the expectations/ dreams.. of the Greek Cypriots ..and even if the late president Makarios was warning the people , about the dirty games of Greece , ..finally with the support of logal criminals/ Fanatics ..people organized a coup , ONLY for to gives, it's NATO Allie , Turkey only five days later to put , legally , a step on the island..! That coup , was NEVER in plan to develop ..ENOSIS/ UNION with Greece main Land..

[@brianfoley4328]

@@JamesKerLindsay I appreciate your reasoned approach to the issue, if only it were possible to "appoint" you as the official arbitrator, but no such luck. The United Nations is very much the "Committee Designing a Horse" and unfortunately is a necessary part of the messy modern world, but many times it is more the problem than the solution.

[@chrysostomosioannou1795]

The annan plan was to replace the Zurich agreements . The first seven articles of the Zurich agreements relate to the British bases ie 99 year lease ,no commercial exploitation and no third party use . In the Annan plan the base agreement were not replicated . The Annan plan was crafted by sir david hannay and presented by Kofi Atta Annan, in effect the coastal regions of the bases would have an EEZ ,and the base area would become british . Another and more important reason the GC rejected the plan was it gave Turkey intervention rights which like in 1960 made cyprus semi independent and ripe for destabilision .

[@416gooner]

Can you make a video breaking down the Annan plan.

[@damaskosc]

I don't think Cyprus uniting is any more likely that the USSR doing so. On the same note, so long as the Turkish-Cypriots have access to Turkish passports, jobs and funding from Turkey as full citizens and not as immigrants then this isn't really an issue of two states, it's an issue of Cyprus vs Turkey and Turkey is too imperialist to come to a settlement.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Yes..! Never been said a better way.!

[@levismail701]

Two state solution is the best way.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

@@levismail701 ...the nation of Turkey played dirty games against my country CYPRUS since 1958 , through our compatriots Turkish Cypriots. A minority of 18% , been found with rights like they were 30%-40% ,on our common states rulings and functions , by the establishment of our common state.the Republic of CYPRUS ,at early 60s ,and yet , they blew them UP following instructions from Turkey! They actually took the arms against their own state..! TODAY , our compatriots Turkish Cypriots , they past the dimant for equality , ( like 50%-50% )...and they are asking for a state. ! WHY ? ... Again Turkey , through our compatriots Turkish Cypriots I'd trying to put a hand on the islands nature sources...! ..SO , we expect , from Turkey , to finally leave us CYPRIOTS alone ,to finally lived happy on our island. !

[@g1u2y345]

@@levismail701 Did you not read his comment?

[@mustafahakim1298]

What a joke! In 2004 the Turks voted yes to unification and the Greeks voted no. But according to you its Turkeys fault?? WTF!

[@Klopp2543]

I hope you answer my question. What if the shoe was on the other foot and it was the Turks who were the majority and it's them who violated the initial agreement and it was Greece which invaded. Do you think the Turks would have been part of the EU? Do you think status quo would have reigned this long? In your video you cited GC will be entitled to their properties or compensation. Does the same apply to the TC?

[@mikem8211]

If the Turkish Cypriots were 82% of the island it would be part of Turkey 100% and i would agree as that would be democracy

[@masterofnone597]

no need to hope klop , i give answer if turkey tried to annex the island as greeks (both mainland and islanders) did '74 , then it would have turned to saddams iraq and be invaded by a coalition. Turkey acting 2nd as a reaction gave it legitimacy. Where Turkey messed up was taking way more land than what it deserved. 1 state solution is not possible and was not possible when annand plan was voted. The problem is now Time. There are 200k people who migrated from Turkey after '74. these people cant go back to Turkey because they have died, there is now a 2nd generation that is old and a 3rd generation, most of these people have never been to Turkey and hold citizenship. Greeks dont want anything to do with anyone who is not a direct descended of a citizen of '74. Removing these people is not possible by a state thet respects human rights (EU !), it can only be done by a fascist government that conquers the island.

[@giuc100]

James holds sides so easy to see. He lives in the south so of course he will sing their tunes..sorry James whatever the Greeks say look at what happened in Crete and then understand it. Dont just talk what they would say

[@giuc100]

I get seriously angry when you seem to blame Turkish Chypriots. You are no expert just a mouthpiece for Greek side

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Hi Professor. I was wondering whether or not you are going to cover the 2022 farmers protests in Netherlands. Most mainstream media channels on KZbin ignored that particular issue.

[@erenramadan1274]

Hi James, thank you very much for answering my question (number 2). Overall I’ve summarised your answer as - Rauf Denktas was extremely intransigent between 1974-2004 whilst the Greek Cypriot side have been intransigent from 2004 onwards. You also stated that the bigger opportunities were lost under Denktas. Now whilst I appreciate your response and understand your point of view, I do not think it’s entirely fair to state this. If we actually look at what Nicos Rolandis was referring to, we can see the Greek Cypriot side have been more intransigent before, during and after Denktas. Here are the following proposals rejected: ) 1948: Consultative Assembly: REJECTED 2) 1955-56: Harding proposals: REJECTED 3) 1956: Ratcliffe Constitution: REJECTED 4) 1958: Macmillan Plan: REJECTED 5) 1959-60: Zurich-London Agreements: REJECTED in 1963 6) 1964: Acheson Plan: REJECTED 7) 1972: Agreement of Clerides-Denktaş: REJECTED 8) 1975: Bi-communal Arrangement: REJECTED 9) 1978: Anglo-American Canadian Plan: REJECTED 10) 1981: Evaluation of Waldheim: REJECTED 11) 1983: Indicators of Perez de Cuellar: REJECTED 12) 1985-86: Consolidated Documents of Perez de Cuellar: REJECTED 13) 1992: Set of Ideas, Boutros Boutros-Ghali: REJECTED 14) 2002-2004: Annan Plan: REJECTED 15) 2015-2017: Crans Montana - REJECTED

[@thcyprus]

Why should the native Cypriots need to accept or reject foreign made plans for our country? It is our own country and we want to be free to determine what happens here. And what we want is for Cyprus to be free from foreign occupation armies, for the Cypriot people to be allowed to return to their own homes and properties, for the Turkish Settlers to leave from our island, and to have a normal democratic country - one person one vote, without racist discriminations. The Turkish minority in Cyprus can have the 100% of minority rights as given to minorities in all other EU countries: ACCEPTED (and obviously rejected by the Turks, since they want to continue to oppress Cypriots and deny to us our freedom, just like they have been doing for centuries now)

[@chrisk105]

How many of the above were accepted by Denktas and/or Turkey? It takes two to tango…

[@cricketman1322]

Thanks for answering my question about the sovereign bases James. I think RAF Akrotiri is too strategic for Britain to let go as it’s helped the U.K. project power in the Middle East and assist military manoeuvres East of Suez. Dhekelia I can see being handed over to a United Cyprus.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

My pleasure. It was a really good question!

[@cricketman1322]

@@JamesKerLindsay thanks James!

[@johnkean6852]

If you look around, I believe the solution has sorted itself: there will eventually be a _Turkish State of Northern Cyprus_ and a _Greek State of Southern Cyprus_ where people are free to come and go but this has yet to be formalised. This is the virtual position we find ourselves in now. Note we already have many Greeks in the North as Tourists and Shoppers who feel safe enough to be here. I also believe there are a few (the rich) who don't like it being sorted and wish to maintain facade of wrath for purely mercenary (and other) reasons as they continue to get cheap shopping and Casino holidays in the North.

[@levismail701]

Completely agree. Two state solution all the way.

[@whyshouldwecare3267]

@@levismail701 I agree, 2 state solution for Cyprus. You have to look at the facts on the ground in these cases because some solutions just arent feasible. 2 state solution for cyprus, recognise kosovo independence and a one state solution for Isreal/Palestine.

[@tombuddy100]

@@whyshouldwecare3267 Why two states for Cyprus? There is already a recognized state since 1960, called Republic of Cyprus, on the whole island, with a flag representing the whole Cyprus. Also, why one state for Israel/Palestine?

[@whyshouldwecare3267]

@@tombuddy100 I think turkey has its claws in too deep to have a healthy one state cyprus. IsrealPalestine is becuase by now palestine isnt really feasible as a state, its too small, disparate and riddled with isreali settlers. It makes more sense to absorb the palestinians into a larger unified state. Isreal has proved it can accomadate and work with minorities in a way Turkey has not.

[@tombuddy100]

@@whyshouldwecare3267 Well, Israel is a successful state, which can accommodate Palestinians, if they wanted to join. However, it seems that that sentiment is more prominent or likely in Israeli (citizens) Palestinians than in Palestinians from Gaza or West Bank, who do not seem to like Israel at all. As for Cyprus, your opinion is that Turkey established too much of a foothold on Cyprus? Yes, I think it too. Protecting Turkish Cypriots was just an excuse.

[@ZACY1234]

Hey Prof. James. Thanks for making these videos. Can you please do a video where you talk about more in depth about the anan plan please? i was very young when the referendum took place so i would like to know more about it and i am sure more cypriots would like to know more about and why we rejected it. thanks

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. Great suggestion. However, I probably won’t get round to doing it for some time as I am now turning to other topics. (I’ve done rather a lot on Cyprus!) But I will certainly bear it in mind for the future.

[@ZACY1234]

@@JamesKerLindsay I understand. I hope you can make it in the near future. Looking forward to it ! Take care Prof. James.

[@kangaroonationalist877]

im greek cypriot,...can t say i agree with the annan plan or yoru views on it but i must say your geopolitical assesment of the situation as an outsider is quite on point. cheers mate

[@veraxiana9993]

i think most greeks (myself included) just dont understand why it has to be turkish troops specifically, we understand they want a seperate military force for protection but why couldn't that be done by a 3rd party or better yet un peacekeepers? I dont think any agreemnet that leaves turkish trooops makes it past a vote with the greek cypriots it's too much of a sore spot after the evictions, invasion, etc. im not a cypriot so i wouldnt have a vote but hypothetically i know for myself personally if the entirety of the annan plan was the same except the turkish troops being replaced by un peacekeepers i'd be on board ( and yes that includes turkey and britains right to intervene in the case of a constitutional crisis). do you (or anyone else please, i'd love as many second opinions as possible) think that slight change would significantly improve it's chances of passing with the greek cypriot community whilst still being accepted by a majority of turkish cypriots?

[@ennd91]

Third countries wouldnt die to protect turks. the Dutch soldiers of Srebrenica is a good example on that

[@veraxiana9993]

@@ennd91 idk the context in Cyprus would be vastly different

[@rudolfohisena1836]

I understand your desired solution, as a Greek, but if you were a Turkish Cypriot would you trust Greeks again not to try another crazy idea?

[@msbayramoglu1]

Only turkish troops will give actual security to them rest will take their flags and run away at the moment they hear the first shot

[@ennd91]

@@veraxiana9993 can you please elaborate on that? Do you have an example?

[@lionselectrical174]

Well, what a very informative, factual, unbiased view on Cyprus 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much!

[@TheLocalLt]

Thanks for doing this Q&A, wish I could have submitted a question but it was a crazy busy couple of weeks, glad to see a lot of good intriguing questions. The internationally-envisioned solution as you’ve described it seems to be similar to the Dayton Agreement, where the Turkish Cypriots keep their existing administration in a new confederal Cypriot state, in exchange for concessions to the Greek Cypriot administration. I do agree that this is really the best compromise option. However I am curious as to why, if it was recognized internationally in 1977 and 2004 that the Turkish Cypriot entity is entitled to keep a proportion of the land in a reintegration settlement, you seem to be of the opinion that the Turkish Cypriot entity and its resident corporations should not be entitled to some proportion of energy resources as well? I’d think that this would be one of the primary worries about reintegration for Turkish and/or Turkish Cypriot power brokers In the end though I think your take from the last video is spot on, that reintegration is very possible under the right circumstances but that this moment doesn’t appear to be it. As you point out, this is especially so now that Turkey is fully incorporating Northern Cyprus into its burgeoning sphere of influence, alongside the Aliyev regime in Turkic-speaking Azerbaijan (which used Turkish support to swiftly defeat Armenia and its Artsakh client), the newly-reunified Libyan government (whose leaders in Tripoli were saved by Turkey from near-certain defeat at the hands of their Tobruk rivals), the new Turkish-garrisoned client state in Northern Syria known as the Syrian Interim Government (which opposes both Assad’s Syrian Arab Republic regime and the Kurdish defacto state known as North & East Syria), along with several other on-and-off members (including some of the Turkic-speaking Central Asian republics, Pakistan, and more).

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks LocalLT. On energy, the sides have already agreed it will be a joint resource and handled by the federal government if reunification occurs. The key fields lie off the south coast and so would be in Greek Cypriot hands otherwise. So this arrangement would certainly benefit the Turkish Cypriots in the event of a settlement.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

More generally, it does have strong similarities to Dayton, which obviously worries a lot of people. But interestingly, there are certain ethnic elements included in Dayton that would not be able to be replicated in Cyprus following the Sejdic-Finci case in Bosnia. It makes the strict bicommunal element envisioned in 1977 much more difficult. But there are ways around it - if the sides ever engage in meaningful talks again.

[@TheLocalLt]

@@JamesKerLindsay thanks for the explanation on energy, that makes sense, if they’ve signed on it then they should stick to it. I actually meant to mention the 2009 ECJ decision (and the 2007 BiH supreme court decision) in my comment above; I was going to make the point that, in addition to the complications it has caused for the future of Bosnia (essentially declaring the meticulously-negotiated peace deal, which doubles as Bosnia’s constitution, to be “in violation of human rights”, thus severely hurting its legitimacy), that decision has also severely hurt the possibility of future peace deals if the factions are defined by ethnicity, like in Cyprus, and also takes away incentive to grind hard at the negotiating table to come to a lasting long-term settlement, since in 15 years some international court might just come along and torpedo its legitimacy. That’s just my lay man’s take though, thank you so much for the reply!

[@raworld6732]

Great Video. One element which was not spoken about regarding the Anan Plan 2004, was the outcome when the dust settled. The EU complicated the Cyprus problem even further by accepting Cyprus into the EU when it should of used its leverage to ensure Cyprus will be accepted into the EU ONLY when a settlement is achieved. Now I can go on and so forth. Any political power which touches Cyprus complicates the situation. If you want a settlement then leave it to the people. Not Greece, Britain, Turkey, EU...to come up with there own constitution and federal settlement.

[@thetraveller1612]

Hi Professor JKL, you say things would have been different if the TCs had not declared UDI in 1983. Can you explain how bearing in mind in 2004 GCs rejected the A plan and rolled into the EU whilst the TCs voted in favour of the A Plan and none of the EU promises to the TCs were kept? In the EU and the wider western world there is an inherent bias towards the Greeks, GCs when opposed to the Turks, TCs. It is this wall the TCs will never be able to climb no matter what they do.

[@bigboyrambo2009]

It's impossible to unite Cyprus today.

[@photis666]

The Anan plan being a workable settlement is highly subjective. It was simply the most likely settlement that could have been accepted by both sides at the time. Just like most aspects of the Cyprus issue it was characterised by asymmetries.

[@2SSSR2]

Great video and very informative, nice to see someone taking neutral stance on this issue. Can you do the similar video for Balkan issues? I would like to see western neutral stance for issues like: -Kosovo and Albania unification. -Issues with Serbia and Kosovo and how long can this frozen conflict continue. -Can Bosnia be held by force or will it broke apart. -Will Albanians in Macedonia ask to join Albania or will they stay in Macedonia. -What will EU do if there are no indication of other countries from Balkan joining in the next 10 to 20 years or even 30? -Is there even a point in this much conflict when all are eager to join EU where borders and custom checkpoints basically do not exist and borders make no sense? Balkan remains one of the Europe's most volatile region with the exception of Eastern Europe where there is active war being waged right now. It will be interesting to see Q&A video regarding that from neutral standpoint as the situation on Balkan is pretty much the same as in Cyprus - everyone is blaming everyone else and think they have suffered the most and are most in the right which leads to nobody progressing beyond the current established system.

[@Mu5tafa001]

Curious to know how living in both South Cyprus and Greece has shaped your views on the Cyprus conflict? How do you ensure your views aren’t biased? Not saying they are but the tension between Greece and Türkiye is often reflected in media consumed which must have influenced you views to some degree. Personally I think a loose federation and 2 states aren’t as far away from each other as people think. You’ll have 2 areas coexisting and ideally without borders. My preference would be for 2 states but also ensuring a Schengen area style agreement is in place across the island. I just think it’s too unrealistic to believe that two communities trying to vilify the other side one day could work together the next. Reunification on the grounds that you’ll claim your land or it’ll send settlers away as opposed to the vision that it’s essentially for the stability of Cyprus is doomed to fail. Unfortunately the former is what many are only concerned with and stability is crucial. Also, like you mentioned, the Greek Cypriot leaders have a good thing going for them and reuniting, whilst greatly benefiting Turkish Cypriots, doesn’t offer the same level of benefits to Greek Cypriots. I would actually argue it adversely impacts Greek Cypriots. House prices would have to balance out (likely increase in North and a decrease in South), opening the north would spread out tourism across the whole island resulting in southern businesses taking a hit (less tourists spending money on hotels and food in the south). Development of the north would be essential and would likely be a tax burden to the south (although likely to be subsidised by EU). Ultimately I just don’t see it happening.

[@ivanmase99]

Hello James. Would you be willing to make a new video on the geopolitics going on around North Macedonia? Much can be said about this: relations with Greece after Prespa agreement, the sudden vetos by Bulgaria after issues were settled between North Macedonia and Greece, the French proposal seen from both sides as well as the Albanian gains from it, the fact that North Macedonia and Albania were linked together and not allowed to go separately on the EU path, and the sudden recognition of the Macedonian church by the Serbian Orthodox Church... could it be a way to strenghten relations between N. Macedonia and Serbia in order to counter Greek and Bulgarian claims on the country? What could happen in the following years during the accession process to the EU/What changes would happen if the country finally entered the EU? I feel like each country surrounding N. Macedonia is moving their pawns, trying to strenghten their geopolitical control over North Macedonia. It would be very interesting to hear your opinion on these issues. Best regards.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

Linking north Macedonia with Albania was a German mistake harmful to what the prespa agreement was trying to do Bulgaria should had ask for a settlement during the diplomatic talks between Greece and N. Macedonia their stance is counterproductive. Greece for a variety of reasons is more or less the only ally of Serbia in the region , a anti Greek alliance is highly unlikely regardless of Serbian - North Macedonian diplomatic relationships Ps on a personal level I believe that since we promised Eu accession we should had at least try harder to keep our promise

[@yellowwasprakija2869]

Still can’t believe the decision of the SOC to recognise the MOC. Terrible terrible decision

[@zdv-b3g]

Great video and I love you taking the time to answer my question. I did not know Lazarus ended up in Cyprus!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. My pleasure. And I’m glad you saw the bit about Lazarus at the end. I thought it might be interesting and fun to put it in there.

[@eliassolomou5503]

@@JamesKerLindsay , real reason lazaraus settled in cyprus was he knew it would become the graveyard of political careers and wanted to offer hope ;) Nice video and presentation james and thank you for answering one of my questions. As my hebrew friends of old would say " next year in jerusalem " next year in a free and united cyprus.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@eliassolomou5503 Haha! Yes, there’s clearly a message about Lazarus coming to Cyprus.

[@jackcoleman7262]

Love your videos! Would you ever cover Gibraltar?

[@ekszentrik]

54:00 Switzerland has been a federation with the current political system since 1848 and there hasn't been any significant ethnic or linguistic change (one small-medium town + agglomeration has become more French speaking, and one even smaller town has switched from mixed to fully German, both in the canton of Fribourg, that's all) because of it. But there is still a ton of pride in the linguistic/ethnic tradition one comes from and of course Swiss national pride (I'd say were one of the most patriotic in Europe, which you can even see in things like widespread showing of flags, which is not something you see in countries like England or Germany).

[@issith7340]

Search and find out who organised switzerland like this, back then. It was a greek man : kapodistrias was his last name

[@johni9073]

How, when and for what reasons did the Canton Jura get formed?

[@issith7340]

@@johni9073 read some history

[@johni9073]

@@issith7340 Seems there has indeed been some significant linguistic (i.e. "ethnic) change since 1848 in Switzerland. The French speakers didn't like being dominated by German, or Swiss German speakers in Canton Bern(e) and split by the later 20th century.

[@daveevans8454]

Only just finished watching this Q and A, great detail on the situation in Cyprus, spent a couple of months in Larnaca many years ago now, another very nice place in Cyprus, there are so many.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Dave. It was rather long. Certainly one for the more hardcore Cyprus watchers out there! Larnaca is great. I’m actually a big fan. But you’re absolutely right. There are so many lovely places on the island.

[@custardcream003]

i also find it hard to understand how turkey can claim that islands don’t have an EEZ yet at the same time it recognises the EEZ claims of the TRNC. What they really want to say is that greece and cyprus aren’t entitled to an EEZ just because international law doesn’t favour the turks in this case.

[@osmanfadil2451]

maybe the greeks shouldnt have tried to massacre the turkish cypriots .me being there know more then you ever would.

[@custardcream003]

@@osmanfadil2451 that has nothing to do with what i just said which only proves you have no valid counter argument.

[@tk5gqj514]

Well the EEZ law is one law for the entire world to enforce. According to that Turkey loses drilling rights in almost all of Mediterranean just because of a tiniest Greek island 2KM South to Turkish shore and 500 KM East to Greece. You can't expect Turkey to let go of the Mediterranean because of this. İ don't think it is fair to enforce one law to the whole world with very unique and different geographies, there will be cases which it causes injustice like this one. Another example, according to another law, Greece is allowed to extend their territorial waters to 12NM which blocks Turkey completely from entering Aegean sea. According to that Turkey would need permisson from Greece if they wanted to move one of their ships to Black sea coast from Mediterranean coast. Both 2 examples are because of just one law is trying to being enforced to the entire world, and causing injustice (and they are both from Aegean islands). So if the law you are trying to enforce completely favours one side and ruins all of the other, you can't expect for the other one to accept it. This of course not a reason for Turkey to recognize one EEZ but not other, but for why it doesn't care about Greek EEZ.

[@custardcream003]

@@tk5gqj514 the turks should respect international law they can send their drilling ships to the uncontested waters of the black sea and leave the east med to those who control it in accordance with international law. and kastelorizo is not just an island far from the greek mainland. kastelorizo IS greece it doesn’t matter how far or how small it is and this should be respected. turkey, through its blue homeland doctrine, insists on completely usurping the Cypriot and Greek EEZs which not only makes no sense legally or geographically it is also hypocritical. turkey claims international law favours greece and cyprus too much and blocks it out of the med and in response they come up with a doctrine which completely blocks off cyprus and seals off half of the greek islands from the mainland. in what universe can turkey think this is acceptable?

[@koseku3]

Let me explain you. Cyprus is a island nation, therefore they have right to claim eez. Greece is not an island nation, their islands cannot claim eez. Its un law. Look at italy-tunis eez Borders, italy has an island near tunis and that island doesnt Grant eez

[@vangelisskia214]

Even during the Ottoman era the Greeks composed the vast majority of the islands population. Muslims never made up more than 30% of the overall population and in the largest part they weren't even Turkic but native Greek-speakers whose ancestors converted to Islam. In the 1960's the population was 85% Greeks and 15% "Turks". It's actually quite easy to understand why the Greek-Cypriots will never accept equal political representation with the Turkish-Cypriots. Is there anybody here who would accept to have equal representation with a minority group in his own land? Don't think so...

[@osmanfadil2451]

maybe they shouldnt have started killing the turks then. eonis slip your mind. now i have a lovely house in the north,as the greeks took mine in limassol.

[@georgedevries3992]

@@osmanfadil2451 You must be a settler from the mainland no doubt so your presence on Cyprus is illegal, heretic against Humanity.

[@tkendirli]

I wonder if the Annan plan was at the end successful, would that be the end of all the disagreements in general? Having doubts on that. The Hardliners are represented constantly as heroes by both sides. Thanks for the summary by the way.

[@tombuddy100]

Yes. What is funny is that Turkish Cypriots complain that Greek Cypriots are too nationalistic, while it is actually more the other way around. Majority of Greek Cypriots nowadays tend to be more Cypriot-oriented than Greek-oriented, whereas majority of Turkish Cypriots are more Turk-oriented than Cypriot-oriented. Greek Cypriots view Greece as a distant ancient no longer motherland, whereas Turkish Cypriots see Turkey as current motherland.

[@makedoniangreekgreek9217]

@@tombuddy100 that's not true. The Greek Cypriots see's Greece as his motherland! Because of this they said the big OXI 2004. ΖΉΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΆΣ 🇬🇷🇨🇾

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

@@tombuddy100 Very well Sayed. ! YES . U..R... right..,!

[@goshlike76]

I have to admit that I enjoyed the whole content and I commend you for your valiant and hard efforts to make this as unbiased as possible. 6:43 I do believe that, although the Annan plan was far from perfect, it set the foundations of a settlement. Yet the overwhelming negation of this plan by the Greek-Cypriot community can be justified, not because of the hasty solutions provided with this plan, but mainly due to the fact that 40% of the country is under an ongoing military occupation. Moreover, the self-proclaimed TRNC is a creation of that occupation, encompassing enormous pieces of land that were never even inhabited by Turkish populations in the first place. Therefore, I find it rather unfair and certainly indecent, if not outright preposterous, to ask from the Cypriots to comply with any negotiation efforts. Therefore, I would still put the blame on the international community for failing to reverse this occupation and demand at the very least from Turkey to remove this occupation force, once and for all. 19:37 Precisely. Even in Greece, I would roughly estimate that a 8-9% of the voting population actually wants unification. Plus, the democratic forces of Greece support a sovereign and independent Cyprus, molded in the doctrine of the "unified defence area", which is de facto supported by the Greek deep state. Aside from ultranationalistic fantasies, Greece and Cyprus as 2 states can still be considered a singular geopolitical entity. The Turkish governement simply takes advantage of the situation to present this 8-9% of ultranationalists as the core of the Greek population. This is not the first time they do this. Sadly, many Turks are still victims of this propaganda. 31:21 When talking about federations we have in mind Germany or the United States of even Russia. But the reality is that we also have other failed federations such as Bosnia. Cyprus is going to look much more like Bosnia if it ever becomes a federation, than Germany for example, with the same ramifications probably. We have a population which is divided between Christians and Muslims, Greek speaking and Turkish speaking. We have to take into account that the Turkish Cypriots (not counting the Turkish settlers) are a minority. Which makes the balancing of such a state almost impossible, as the Turkish Cypriots will gain unfair percentages, while the Greek Cypriots will lose percentages. Something similar happened in Bosnia and where has it lead us? You have a Republika Sprska asking for independence, plus the tense situation inside Bosnia as an entity, since it is an unstable state, created only to function temporarily as a mediocre resolution. A federation seems unstable. A unitary state, with a fully recognized significant minority, which can be organized in communities throughout the island and have representation in a parliament, while running their own religious and educational affairs and possibly social affairs as well, can also be examined as an alternative model. This could also be the legal foreground for other similar conflicts throughout the world, even in Ukraine too. Here's also some food for thought. The terms Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot are the principal factors of underming stability in Cyprus. An effort to remove those titles could prove better in the long run as Cyprus will develop a national identity as it should have after the decolonization period. We should also remember that the Treaty of Lausanne has a reference on Turkish Cypriots that are willing to stay on the island should abandon any claims of Turkish citizenship and ethnicity and they would be counted as British citizens. Which naturally leads to a Cypriot identity overall, since after the decolonization the state became independent and wasn't split between Greece and Turkey. All in all, I do believe that there is going to be a settlement. But the lights now fall upon the Turkish Cypriots. It is they who will decide their fate. The Republic of Cyprus is ready to welcome them all in a unified and unitary state, independent and strong. If they still wish to linger under Turkey's shadow and if they won't denounce the occupying forces, then chances are dim. There may be a solution even then. But at the expense of the already downtrodden Greek-Cypriots, who are forced to live in a wounded country, while some of them were forced to move from their homes, still bearing the scars of the past. If you can even call that a solution.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. But I’m not sure what you mean when you say that the international community should be trying to reverse the occupation. That was exactly what the Annan solan was all about. The sides agreed in 1977 to a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The Annan Plan delivered that. Short of using military force to get Turkey out, which will never happen, I’m not sure what else the international community is supposed to do other than help the sides reach a settlement in line with the agreed parameters. On the terms Greek and Turkish Cypriot, I have always rejected the idea that “they should just be Cypriots”. This negates the fundamental identity of the communities. The GCs are far more numerous. This is just a recipe to water down the Turkish Cypriot identity. Maybe it’s because of my own heritage that I reject this. I am British. But I have English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish ancestry. While I always describe myself as British, I am also very proud of those distinct and different national elements. It is what makes the country. (And this is why I always get extremely irritated when people speak of England and the English when they mean Britain and the British.) Let’s put it this way, if the positions were reversed and the Greeks were the minority, would you also say that they should all be Cypriots, knowing this would inevitably elevate the island’s Turkish identity?

[@Todd.B]

got you two views on this one, started the video at work and finished it at home. 👍👍 I honestly knew next to nothing about Cyprus before I became a sub here. Have you considered a 100k subscriber video special?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much Todd. Great stuff. I’m glad you found the Cyprus videos interesting. I might take next week off, but am hoping to get back into normal service the weekend after. I’ve loved doing the videos here, but I’m looking forward to getting into the usual ones again. As for a 100k video, it would be nice to mark such a big milestone in sone way!

[@Todd.B]

@@JamesKerLindsay put a suggestion message in the community section, I'm sure someone has a great idea

[@phk1959]

Prof Thank you for the new video. I think the question that has to be answered is more or less the following: why a Cypriot (GC) from the northern city of Kyrenia who is now a refugee in his/ her own country should vote in favour of Annan Plan taking into account that he,/ she will have no benefit from such a settlement,? On the contrary his her motherland which is now illegally occupied will become legitimately the ownership of the conqueror and at the same time he she gain nothing in terms of security.. Likewise, why a GC from Nicosia or Limassol or Paphos or Larnaca or the free area of Famagusta should be expected to be in favour of such Plan given that they will gain nothing too in terms of security and that by accepting such Plan they will risk everything else that they have today? Nowadays these people enjoy a divided state whose free part however is a real western democracy, despite the threat from Turkey. But if they accept a settlement like the Annan Plan they feel that they give the occupied part to Turkey and at the same time they make Turkey a partner in the south. The RoC is effectively abolished and a new state is established as a kind of an experiment. An experiment under the full control of Turkey. Who can trust Turkey? A country pursuing her newly revealed vision named Mavi Vatan, whatever that means... A country which nowadays eyes the territory of almost half of Greece.. Just as food for thought. Thanks

[@kirkmaxking8522]

My Family owned properties in the South but if it meant that there would be peace we would look for compensation thats it and then by a property on the North same as what the person owning a property in the North would do you see the young generation GC has not lived in the North and the South would feel more like home then the north same as the Tc Youth the older generation yes but these are dying out now

[@phk1959]

@kirk maxking thanks. But you are talking about properties. I am talking about motherland. There is no compensation for the exchange of motherland. In addition, there is no "north" "south" "east" and "west". There is only one, single, unique motherland ...

[@kirkmaxking8522]

@@phk1959 i would agree but you should be telling this to your Eoka b Greeks that started all this in the first place

[@phk1959]

@kirk maxking I don't know how old you are. Under a regime where history is not taught, age matters. So, EOKA-B is your problem? EOKA-B caused a civil war among Greeks of Cyprus until 15 July 1974. Not against Turks. The coup was the pretext for Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. Turkey's invasion was planned by Britain and Turkey since the end of WW II. Cyprus was the unsinkable carrier... that's why in the Zurich-London Agreements there was a provision for intervention rights, which is against UN Charter... please do learn the history right, free of propaganda influence. The area of Cyprus which is under Turkey's occupation is stolen from its Greek owners who did nothing wrongful but just fought for their freedom...

[@kirkmaxking8522]

@@phk1959 You obviously dont know what Eoka B Achieved read this maybe you can see what they achieved en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maratha,_Santalaris_and_Aloda_massacre Regards

[@andrewmorehead3704]

Do you think it is at all possible to resolve the Kosovo-Serbia dispute in a way similar to the Annan Plan? There seems to be countless parallels between the two situations, except for the crucial fact that Kosovo has significant international recognition.

[@bilic8094]

By the looks of it that dispute will end in war sooner or later.

[@henrybn14ar]

Another evil Ottoman legacy.

[@andrewsarantakes639]

A very long historical problem. Thanks for your assessment on the issue surrounding Cyprus. It seems that government in Turkey is saddled with a massive problem current leaders would rather not have, but reactionaries made the decision to invade in 1974. It seems to prove that agression creates many long lasting problems.

[@Klopp2543]

If Turkey didn't invade their won't be a Cypriot Turk alive in Cyprus today! Blame the GT it's them who violated the independent policy and wanted to join Greece

[@ultikanare2358]

This was really fascinating, but I think the question I'm left with after watching is: what are the push factors for the Greek Cypriots towards a settlement? It seems like while they may talk about wanting reunification, there's not much reason to pursue it. Especially if it's the case that the other two options (independence and Turkish patriation) are untenable, is there any strong reason the Greek Cypriots might have for not just waiting the Turkish Cypriots out until they agree to even more favorable terms? Or even pursuing reunification at all? It seems like right now the south has EU membership, international recognition, good tourism, and the north can be mostly out-of-sight-out-of-mind.

[@eliassolomou5503]

The bottom line is that there is no real incentive for the greek cypriots to accept a settlement that lets ankara off the hook and legalizing the theft of their homes and livelihoods. For the greek cypriots the issue was never really about sharing power its about the socia/human rights aspect. Untill that issue is adressed then the only means of a settlement will be another war within the next 24 months.

[@ultikanare2358]

@@eliassolomou5503 It does indeed seem like there's no incentive. I'm curious, if you're from Cyprus, what would it take for you to agree to a settlement, if you would at all? Could you tolerate a loose federal system with a Turkish security guarantee, as Prof. Ker-Lindsay says are necessary components of any settlement, or would you need a better offer?

[@eliassolomou5503]

@@ultikanare2358 thank you for the question. For me personally it makes no difference if its federation or confederation. It makes no difference if the turkish cypriots get 30% or 40% of parliarment or the public sector jobs. ( besides i believe in a merit based society rather than an affirmative action based system) for me first and foremost its a question of human rights and justice. I dont want to live in a country or vote for a system which is based on a form of apartheid. The cyprob was in essence a political issue that become a social issue that made both populations of the devide suffer and i want an honest agreement to rectify that. If it does not then as far as im concerned not a worthwile agreement. Imagine saying that the island is re united yet i cant live on that side, i cant stay on that side for more than 5 months and not till 20 years time etc then how exactly are we re united re unified.?? If the agreement is simply to let turkey off the hook to join the eu etc then its not reallly an honest agreement. If its to let turkey and her army stay in cyprus without protest, consequences and accountability then theres no point . The security issue has been blown out of proportion by many to suit their own selfish interests . Firstly can cyprus of less than a million ever threaten turkey of 80 million?? Does turkey need to keep 5k or 20k troops and equipment in cyprus when turkey is only 60km away? What security concerns do the turkish cypriots need as a member of the eu and potentially nato? Infact ( and i know the turkish side rejected ut in the past) why cant cyprus be a demilitarised free nation with the exception of the british bases? I was born at night but it wasnt last night, i know that ankara could care one iota about the turkish cypriots its all about ankaras interests . This is self evident when turkey tries to link the cyprob with other issues like the eu customs union with turkey. When they try to link the cyprob with the agean issues they perceive. . A real cyprob solution would help the turkish cypriots more than the G/ cypriots infact it would guarantee their existence. What do i mean by this? Since 74 the T/cypriots have seen not only a 50%exodus from the isle but have become a minority within a minority by a huge influx of mainland turks and kurds. Their distinct culture is in a rapid decline and has been since the late 70's. So yes i would vote for re unification if for just once the human dynamic was given priority.

[@taartog]

What a bout the other portion of the Island that is under the Britain rule ? Is it a British territory or what ? And how Greek Cyprus regard it ? Thank you Prof.

[@nonamenoname2767]

nobody says anthing about the funny presence of British bases in the island but only complain about the division

[@Elizabethkafunda]

I want to know how to get a work permt

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

I've been studying the Cyprus problem for many years now and have come to the conclusion that Cyprus is like a house . Unless said house is built properly from the beginning you will alway have ongoing repairs that never end . For me the solution to the Cyprus problem is to go back and start from the beginning of building this Cyprus house , only this time it's done with all communities and no interference from Turkey , Greece , or the UK , oh and by the the UK must cede back the two bases to Cyprus .

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Good luck. For thirty years, I’ve been hearing the line that if it was left to the two communities it would be solved quickly. Nothing I’ve seen suggests that is the really the case.

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

That's because we've never been given the chance to , the two mother countries have a vice like grip especially the Turkish side . Turkish Cypriots are now questioning their allegiance to Turkey and can now see their future is in the EU with the rest of Cyprus . Turkey is playing geopolitics with northern Cyprus which is not in the interests of the Turkish Cypriots . Thank you for your reply .

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Well , .. forgive me , James ,.. but I'll be here also..! By my opinion the KEY word about the CYPRUS issue is.. RESPECT..! WE ALL CYPRIOTS ,have to respect each other's rights. ! The main reason that the Republic of CYPRUS ! Our common state , enter the EEU , is exactly the quarantee of ALL it's citizens human rights..! Greeks , Turks, Armenians, Latins, Maronites,.. British...etc. ! ...We ALL CYPRIOTS have to respect each other's rights. ! as simple as that..! NO MORE QUARANTOR POWERS..! AND , the tree of them played enough with their dirty games against us CYPRIOTS..! Since the two of them ( England and Greece , declare that they are ready to give up of those guarantor agreements , Turkey, should also RESPECT that ..and act the similar way..! TODAY for those they don't know.. One out of the six members of CYPRUS in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots.. 120.000 Turkish Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic..IDs. ! 80.000 of our compatriots Turkish Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic Passports...! RESPECT..

[@kirkmaxking8522]

@@vasosglykeriou8738 if there is a Turkish mep selected by Greeks ask the question why? could it be that the turkish Cypriots dont see this person as A Turkish Cypriot but a puppet for Greek Cypriots? If Turkish Cypriots are taking a Roc Passport its not because its a gift from Greek Cypriots its because they have a right to have one You seem to forget that teh Roc should of been a partnership which it was till 1963 till again the GC rocked the boat it seesm its allways teh Gc that mess things up and look as the angel around the world instead of the truth that the TC never ever started any troubles but are allways are the sufferers

[@ted1452]

As long as Turkey is calling the shots in the North, no reconciliation is possible in Cyprus. It’s as simple as that.

[@chrisk105]

The money laundering operations in the north are a main obstacle too. God knows they were an obstacle in the South until the ‘13 crisis and the EU came crushing down on it. We reached the other extreme now…🤔

[@levismail701]

So GC call the shots for the whole island? They still celebrate eoka. Two state solution is the best way with people crossing as they wish

[@chrisk105]

@@levismail701 the conquest of Constantinople is still celebrated by Turks for Allah’s sake. EOKA killed 31 TCs in all. Hardly a genocide or ethic cleansing. In contrast most of its victims were GCs. As for numbers, 6,000 GCs were slaughtered during Turkey’s “peace operation” ie. about 1% of the then population. The Turkish invasion is still celebrated by Turks with glee and pomp.

[@tombuddy100]

@@levismail701 200000 non-Turkish Cypriots expelled from the north to make room for Turkish settlers were not EOKA.

[@ted1452]

@@levismail701 maybe my point should have been more clear. ‘As long as Turkey is calling the shots and not Turkish Cypriots themselves, no reconciliation is possible in Cyprus “ I just can’t see it happening as long as the Turkish agenda overrides the interests of the Turkish Cypriot people.

[@rpgbb]

I think Federal arrangements create weak governments and they are not very efficient in the long run. One can see this in Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Spain and its Comunidades and even in the US during the pandemic. Have some Ouzo on my behalf! 🥃

[@deusexaethera]

The problem isn't so much Federal governments in general, but Federal governments between regions that really don't want to cooperate with each other to begin with.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Something like .. Belgium mass..up..!

[@chris-8092]

Thank you for your video. It's very informative with really good content on Cyprus issues. I'm a Cypriot but I don't live in Cyprus anymore. The content of this video also mentions communal living, safety, security and violence. I like to be an optimist or an idealist and say that a unification or settlement of Cyprus will work out well but unfortunately the reports of incidents indicate otherwise. With Cyprus and Turkey I see evidence of inadequacies or insufficiencies and unfortunately this has brought me to a point where I had to rethink about the communal integration with settlement in Cyprus. For North and South Cyprus integration or coexistence worked ok before the conflicts however that was a long time ago, decades ago. The world was a different place than. Cyprus was also different than. Since 1974 the rest of the world had moved on and progressed with certain issues and more legislation has been enforced in many other countries eg. Protection of Human Rights and Personal Human Freedom but Cyprus and Turkey clearly lagged. In terms of legislation for protection of all public life, laws against Hate, Racism, violation of Human Rights, Discrimination and Victimisation have been late, poorly implemented or poorly enforced and some of these don't actually even exist there. There's been mention of tensions, and the possibility of no violence in the community if there was a communal integration of the two ethnicities with a settlement, I just can't see this happening successfully. I find the information in the Human Freedom Index by country 2022 very compelling. Switzerland is ranked first on top of the list with a score 9.11 Comparatively Cyprus is ranked 29th place down the list with Human Freedom Index score of 8.42 Turkey is ranked 139 place down the list. In the Freedom Index by Country 2022, Turkey has a Human Freedom Score of 5.25 Interestingly North Cyprus is not even mentioned in this current Human Freedom Index list. The Human Freedom Index includes 12 categories: Rule of Law Security and Safety Movement Religion Association, Assembly, and Civil Society Expression and Information Identity and Relationships Size of Government Legal System and Property Rights Access to Sound Money Freedom to Trade Internationally Regulation In the Human Freedom Index, neither Cyprus nor Turkey are ranked in the Top 10 Countries with the Highest Human Freedom Indexes (2021). Clearly both countries have a lot of work to do to improve and protect Human Rights and Personal Human Freedom. This raises serious concerns for me in which the personal freedom of an individual is clearly not safe and there is evidence of violence and even no accountability for the most recent serious violations of human rights and personal freedom which is incredibly sad and disappointing. The reports from other journalists and activists eg. from Esra, that I've seen in recent years in the media including both North and South Cyprus and Turkey contain incidents of Hate, Racism, violation of Human Rights, Discrimination with threats, harm and murder, brutality which I find shocking, horrifying and am appalled with. These activists and journalists have struggled to bring a sense of equality within their own communities or ethnicity. These also include reports of incidents violations of LGBTIQ+. These are all clear signs of violence in those communities or ethnicities. It's definitely not safe in some respects. So I really don't think that Turkish and Greek Cypriots living together and integrating is ever going to work well or at least be equal, or safe or fully peaceful or nonviolent. I definitely would not feel safe to express my 'Personal Freedom' over there. In such a context, these two ethnicities/countries definitely have not progressed as well or in line with the rest of the world or even with each other. Some of these ethnicities just do not want to recognise Human Rights or Personal Human Freedom and there is definitely a sense of a reluctance or refusal to protect members of it's own ethnicity or community from violence especially when I recently witnessed reports of tensions and conflict in some of those countries of people disrupting Gay Pride events and threatening and murdering LGBTIQ+ individuals who have been involved in certain Pride events. ( I'm not going to name which ethnicity or country has been most reported because I don't want to start any arguments, so for reference just watch the other KZbin videos on such related issues). I think acts of mutual kindness and respect done in recent years by both ethnicities are a good thing towards friendship and establishing better relationships between the two countries/ethnicities. If a good foundation is not there, the structure will collapse. Even though these two countries/ethnicities have been living side by side, unfortunately what I see is that these two are 'worlds apart' and they are far too different from each other. I wouldn't want to live back there during any community integration because security and safety would be a real concern for me. These two ethnicities have a lot of work to do so they can establish a good strong foundation before any communal integration.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Well According to my opinion , the KEY word about the Cyprus issue is..respect..! RESPECT..! WE ,ALL CYPRIOTS should of respect of each others rights..! The main reason that the Republic of Cyprus ,enters the EEU ,Nis for the quarantee/ respect of ALL it's citizens human rights..! Greeks , Turks , Maronite's , Armenian's ,Latin's ..British..! NO MORE , quarantor powers..! ALL ,the three of them , ( Greece , Turkey ,England )..they had played enough with their dirty games..! Turkey , should of respect that , and let us ,Cypriots to live finally happy on our island..! TODAY... one out of the six members of CYPRUS, in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots.! About... 120.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriot are owner's of the Cyprus Republic... IDs..! 80.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots ,are owners of the Cyprus Republic.. Passport..! RESPECT..!

[@cypruswithoutborders1034]

I like the that you take a neutral stance in your videos. Your hesitancy regarding the first question and reluctance to agree that the Annan plan was a "fair and just" settlement has been noted.

[@Locutus]

Thanks James, for you on-location report! What made you choose to do your studies on Cyprus?

[@mithrandil420]

Could you take another look at Serbia-Kosovo relations amid new tensions?

[@thcyprus]

James represents "Team UK" which has its own interests in Cyprus, and he is trying to present the problem as one between 2 communities. The Cyprus issue is one of invasion and occupation. Turkey has invaded and occupied 1/3rd of our island with the pretext of "protecting" the Turkish minority, just like Russia is doing now in Ukraine. The Turkish Cypriot minority in Cyprus is not our enemy. They are merely the pawns of Turkey (and UK) who use them as an excuse to occupy our territory and serve their own interests. The north part of the island, just like every other part, had an overwhelming Greek majority before the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ethnic cleansing performed by the Turkish army. The "trnc" is not a case of the native people of a region asking for independence, like e.g. the Kurds in Turkey who are the majority in Eastern Turkey and have a history in that region longer than that of the Turks. In Cyprus Turkey took our homeland of 1000s of years, ethnically cleansed the great majority of its native population, replaced them with mainland Turkish settlers, and then declared some pseudo state on the land they took from us! What we want is liberation of the north part of our country. Not some "settlement" that would essentially make the north part of Cyprus officially Turkish with our signature. The kind of "loose federation" that UK supports is essentially officially dividing Cyprus into "Greek South" and "Turkish North" and then merely a 50%-50% partnership between the two. So not only the illegal Turkish occupation would became a legal Turkish State, but the 82% Cypriot majority, would be downgraded and equated to an 18% minority, more than half of whom are now mainland Turkish settlers, and not even Cypriot. Such "solution" not only would not liberate the north from Turkish occupation, but would make the whole Cyprus a Turkish protectorate. Imagine giving 1/3rd of Ukraine (or Latvia, Estonia etc) to their Russian minorities, and also give to those minorities a 50% power share. Wouldn't those countries then become puppets of Russia? As a native Cypriot I support the liberation of Cyprus from foreign Turkish and British armies, with a fully democratic system where all citizens are equal regardless of their language or religion. Cypriots should be allowed to return to their own homes and properties, and most Turkish settlers should return to Turkey. The Turkish and Greek languages can be of equal status, the same with the religions. Beyond that the Turkish Cypriot minority can have the 100% of minority rights, as given to other minorities in other democratic countries (which are way more than what Turkey offers to the Kurds). This is the ideal, but I can also compromise to a federal arrangement, as long as the Turkish army and most Turkish Settlers leave, and the central government is democratically elected by the Cypriot people as a whole.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Just presenting this as Turkish invasion and occupation deliberately obscures the very real political problems at the heart of the issue and firms the basis for the 60 year UN settlement process. But really it is part of a long-standing effort in sone Greek Cypriot quarters to negate the political agency of the Turkish Cypriots. But I rather suspect you know all this. More than the point, while this mantra is repeated, Cyprus will never be solved. Indeed, it has become the slogan of those who don’t really want a settlement - or don’t want a settlement that is within the bounds of what has been accepted by the sides and the international community. And trying to reduce my views to my nationality is actually amusingly illogical - and doesn’t actually achieve what you think it does. I passionately support reunification and do so in line within the bounds of UN Security Council resolutions. And, yes, I can safely say that this does reflect British government policy. Given all this, what you are really saying is that the ‘evil’ British are terrible because they’re really conspiring to give Cyprus and the Greek Cypriots the settlement that successive Cypriot governments have consistently called for!? So, well done for uncovering that perfidious conspiracy! :-)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Just presenting this as Turkish invasion and occupation deliberately obscures the very real political problems at the heart of the issue and firms the basis for the 60 year UN settlement process. But really it is part of a long-standing effort in sone Greek Cypriot quarters to negate the political agency of the Turkish Cypriots. But I rather suspect you know all this. More than the point, while this mantra is repeated, Cyprus will never be solved. Indeed, it has become the slogan of those who don’t really want a settlement - or don’t want a settlement that is within the bounds of what has been accepted by the sides and the international community. And trying to reduce my views to my nationality is actually amusingly illogical - and doesn’t actually achieve what you think it does. I passionately support reunification and do so in line within the bounds of UN Security Council resolutions. And, yes, I can safely say that this does reflect British government policy. Given all this, what you are really saying is that the ‘evil’ British are terrible because they’re really conspiring to give Cyprus and the Greek Cypriots the settlement that successive Cypriot governments have consistently called for!? So, well done for uncovering that perfidious conspiracy! :-)

[@thetraveller1612]

GCs conveniently ignoring the events leading up to 1974. Let me remind you of these events ... the Greek Cypriots attempts at violently ethnically cleansing the Turkish Cypriots whilst trying to illegally unite with Greece. This is what the Greek Cypriots will be remembered for.

[@thcyprus]

@@thetraveller1612 Ethnic cleansing has been the aim of the Turkish side since the 50s, and they put it into action in 1974. What the native Cypriot people ever fought for was our right to freely and democratically decide about our own island. Nothing more, and nothing less.

[@thcyprus]

​@@JamesKerLindsay Why don't you say the same for Russia's invasion of Ukraine? In Ukraine there is an 18% Russian community who declared their own separate Republics, and a conflict has been going on in Ukraine long before Russia's invasion. And those Russians declared their Republics on territories they are the majority, unlike the Turks in Cyprus who took a territory which was majority Greek, and ethnically cleansed it. So why blame Russia for its invasion and occupation of Ukraine, but in the case of Cyprus you blame the Cypriots because we do not capitulate to the demands of the invader? Why don't you ask from the Ukrainians to capitulate with the same terms? It is not merely about your nationality. You have admitted that you were part of the British team and participated in the negotiations. Britain is not just some innocent bystander. The UK has major interests in Cyprus. The British are the ones who came up with the partition idea in the 50s. When back then we revolted against the British seeking our freedom, they involved Turkey proposing to her the partition of Cyprus, in order to balance out Greece, and they hired Turkish Cypriot mercenaries and placed them to fight the Cyprus liberation guerillas. The British also used their power at the UN against us. As a result of their actions they managed to keep 2 parts of our island under colonial rule and they are hell bent in maintaining a problematic situation in Cyprus, because they know that if the Cyprus problem is properly solved, the Cypriots will sooner or later demand an end of the British occupation of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

[@thelastcrow]

Could you kindly one day make a video of the East African Federation?

[@vasxerikos8539]

Excellent videos on the Cyprus question, subscribed. I would like to share some thoughts. I agree that Greek Cypriots (GC) are more comfortable with the status quo than Turkish Cypriots (TR). But this assessment hides a big aspect of the issue/conflict,one that I feel wasn’t addressed enough. TR may not like the situation but Turkey itself is very happy with it as it is a de facto taksim. At the same time GC like the situation but Greece doesn’t like it at all, it is a festering wound that Greeks afraid it may well bring them at war with Turkey. And frankly if Greece and Turkey come to blows over the Aegean the war will spillover to Cyprus as well. For better of for worse, the fate of Cyprus doesn’t rely solely in the hands of Cypriots but other outside actors too. The international environment is changing. The western influence over Middle East and the Levant is weakening, and western dedication to backing a stable and democratic Cypriot state not guaranteed any more. Even if an Annan style agreement based on BBF is struck, I still personally feel that Turkey will still attempt to exert some degree of control over the unified state. I am very pessimistic, the region is very unforgiving to small, multiethnic states with a history of violance. Cyprus is way more likely to become Lebanon than Switzerland I am afraid.

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Very well said..! By the end of the day .. as we say.. We have two options here..! 1/. ..All those ,hypocrites , of the western world ,& ..EEU , ..after this unfortunate war in Ukraine , and the strong way they are supporting "her "... They will , finally search for the rights of us Cypriots. .! Helping us also with every way to get rid of the occupation..! OR... 2./.. The Turkish Cypriots , will realised that is for their good also to returned back to OUR COMMON STATE..! The Republic of Cyprus , RESPECTing their position ,in the population of the island .! Our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are the 18% of the islands population..! The main reason that the state of Cyprus enters the EEU ,is for about the RESPECT of all it's citizens human rights..! Greeks ,Turks ,Armenians, Latinos, Maronites ...British.. etc.! ..We must NEVER forget ,that by the beginning of our common state ,at early 60s our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots been found with over rights ,on the islands rules and functions , ( they was the 18% , a and they've been found with rights like they were 30%-40% )..and yet ,they blew them UP following instructions from Turkey..! They actually took the arms against their own state..! TODAY.. for those they don't know.. one out of the six members of Cyprus in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot, been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots....! About.. 120.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Cyprus Republic IDs..! 80.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Cyprus Republic.. Passport...

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much indeed. I’d agree and disagree. I think Turkey did genuinely want a settlement in 2004 and 2017. And I think it is still open to a settlement. The situation isn’t quite as comfortable as it seems. Turkey has to pay for the north and it is still a nuisance issue that can complicate other issues. But I do agree that if a settlement is reached it could see Turkey try to exert control over the reunified state. I know many Greek Cypriots (rightly) worry about this. And the TCs are very bad at setting their minds to rest about it.

[@Eecee27]

@@JamesKerLindsay Hey James, as a secular Turkish woman, I don't trust GR. Just yesterday they used the S-300 and radar lock on our F-16 fighter jet. Our plane was on NATO mission. As for TR, an embargo was imposed because it bought the S-400. If the Turkish people are approached sincerely, they can establish warm relations with Europe. This is also very important for EU.

[@UNAL0504]

@@andrigeogiou8420 You always get one that can't help but insult keep dreaming enosis

[@andrigeogiou8420]

@@Eecee27 .. Sis...! For the last three - four..days , we are seen in the news , your priminister Mr.Erdo- gan ..! Threatening Greece continuously ...! .." He will shown up ,one night .."..! Now.. How can ,a civilised country ..can THREAT it's neighbours like this..? ..How , can ,.. civilise people , except from their leader to express like this...! What is the matter with you people...?

[@seanm1766]

Why are education qualifications from the TRNC recognised by the international community yet other certificates, laws and legislation are not?

[@deusexaethera]

I realize this isn't the point of this video, but your "library voice" is really soothing to listen to. It's making my brain tingle. You should use it more often. The bustling sounds in the background are helping too.

[@georgecharilaou5692]

Do you think that our education system (I am talking about the South, I don't know about the North) plays its part as well when it comes to identity? I remember during my school years there was a lot of emphasis on Greek history and Greek literature that had a theme of historical struggles and tragedies of Greece. In my opinion this is very unhealthy for the younger generations because it plants in their minds a very specific narrative chosen by a group of specific individuals instead of promoting critical thinking and complex research from many different sources when studying the history of Cyprus. I personally don't feel Greek. I love Greece, it's the place I chose to study and I love the people there I met some really amazing people and it's a gorgeous place with fascinating history. But I can be equally fascinated about any other place in the world and invest in learning about their history and their culture. I feel Cypriot, which to me it is a complex and beautiful identity that is made by "ingredients" of many different cultures. But this is me and I am not implying that everyone in Cyprus should feel the same. You can identify as a Greek of Cyprus or a 100% Greek if you want, it's not what matters to me. Because identity, and especially in Cyprus, should be kept at a personal level and not trying to force it upon others. This is my issue with our education and society in the south and I made this question based on it.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Hello George. Great points. I would agree. I fully understand the links that many have with Greece and the links should be acknowledged. However, there has long been a real worry amongst outside observers about the part that the education system plays in perpetuating the Cyprus problem and reinforcing negative stereotypes about the Turkish Cypriots. It’s not that teaching about Greece is bad. It’s that the broader message the schools send to children is deeply damaging. This really needs to be addressed. But we know the problems facing any government that tries to do this.

[@georgecharilaou5692]

@@JamesKerLindsay thank you for your answer. Based on what I experienced during school years I couldn't agree more.

[@phk1959]

@@JamesKerLindsay Professor, I would agree that brain-washing should not have a place in the education system (for example the TC pupils have to visit the "Museum of GC Barbarism" as a kind of propaganda machinery. On the other hand it might be worth clarifying that the Cyprus Problem is not and must not be the determinant of our identity. Otherwise it will produce an artificial identity. History lessons should be taught in truly documented scientific format without distorting it either for sending nationalistic messages to students or (which is the opposite) for facilitating the imposition of a settlement which could have not been accepted otherwise. Peoples who do not know their history run a high risk to live it again.

[@ethoatom668]

Excellent video, though; I'm still thinking that it's in the best interests of everyone to have a two-state solution. A repeat of the previous constitutional crisis or even a Bosnia and Herzegovina-style situation seems likely otherwise. It'd be like trying to get Haiti and the Dominican Republic to unite just because they share the same island and at one point existed as a singular entity. In my mind, the best solution is for the TRNC to be recognized and allowed to interact with the greater democratic world; that way, it can afford to turn away from Turkey and its dive into authoritarianism Ideally, it'd end with the TRNC's ascension into the EU, technically uniting the island more loosely. But hey, if they can pull it off, either way, I'd be happy. I just don't think it's okay for the Turkish Cypriots to be left in political limbo like how they are in the status quo.

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Well by my opinion ,the KEY word about the CYPRUS issue is.. RESPECT..! we all have to respect each other's rights..! ALL Cypriots rights..! Greeks ,Turks , Armenians , Latins, Maronites British..etc..,! The state of CYPRUS , Our ALL CYPRIOTS COMMON STATE ,.. The Republic of CYPRUS , enters the EEU mainly for the quarantor of ALL it's citizens human rights..! NO MORE , QUARANTOR POWERS..! all , and the three of them , played enough with their dirty games against us ALL CYPRIOTS..! Our compatriots Turkish Cypriots , they have to realize where they stand , after all ,they are only a minority of 18% of the islands population..! Turkey , have to respect, the independence state of CYPRUS ,and leave us CYPRIOTS to live finally happy on our island..! TODAY , for those they don't know. one out of the six members of the island ,in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots..! TODAY . . about 120.000 Turkeys Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic .ID..! ..& about 80.000 Turkish Cypriots are owners of the CYPRUS Republic.. Passport..! RESPECT ..

[@kirkmaxking8522]

@@vasosglykeriou8738 as far as im concerned I DONT TRUST European union or the United Nations we saw this with Bosnia what makes you sure that our Lives would be protected but with the Gurantor powers Turkish Cypriots aswell as Greek Cypriots would be protected like it has been Since 1974,as a Turkish Cypriot i will not accept anything less then being Guranteed By Turkey who saved us in 1974 from your Eoka B thugs

[@electricVGC]

My general sense as a less directly aware observer of the Cyprus situation is that Papadopoulos' stonewalling and the rejection of the Annam plan served mostly to benefit Greece and Turkey at the cost of Greek and Turkish and especially other Cypriots. The case for taksim seems to becoming ever stronger at the cost of the case for an independent Cyprus as years go on. The people of either part of the island grow ever more apart.

[@abdiiabduosman4746]

Where we go for here.

[@SunsmileMaria]

Great video. Thank you.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks.

[@tombuddy100]

If Turkish Cypriots were (78%) majority of the island of Cyprus, and have always been a majority, would they agree to a solution in which 36% of the island is exclusively Greek Cypriot state?

[@vasosglykeriou8738]

Das , Turkey ,even gives the rights of the Kurdish population .! They are the 34% of their population.! Well , By my opinion the Key word about the CYPRUS issue is . RESPECT..! WE ALL , CYPRIOTS ..have to respect each other's rights..! The main reason that the Republic of CYPRUS , ( OUR , ALL CYPRIOTS common state ).. enters the EEU , is exactly the quarantor of ALL it's citizens human rights..! NO MORE quarantor powers..! all ,the three of them.. England , Greece &, , Turkey , they played enough with their dirty games against US CYPRIOTS..! TODAY , for those they don't know. one out of the six members of the islands membership in the European parliament ..IS a Turkish Cypriot , been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots. ! Our compatriots Turkish Cypriots ,..they must realized that they are a minority of 18% .of the islands population

[@ClydeShadow6]

If Turkish Cypriots were 78% of the island, Cyprus would have been most likely become a Turkish province.

[@tombuddy100]

@@ClydeShadow6 Why could it not have become a Greek province then?

[@ClydeShadow6]

@@tombuddy100 Because Cyprus is far too strategically important. Greece would have gained a big advantage against Turkey, if the Island would be in their control. Of course Turkey will give excuses like every TC would have been killed, if we didn't save them bla bla, but anyone who knows a little about geopolitics knows why Turkey invaded.

[@panostheodoulou1166]

The UN Security Council should put sanctions on Turkey and Erdogan for the reopening of Varosha - Famagusta, in violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions, that Varosha should be handed to the control of the UN, who then would hand over the town to the lawful inhabitants and the government of the Republic of Cyprus. The UN has said the situation should be reversed but what is the UN doing about it? UN troops should be sent to the area which would make a strong statement of opposition to this decision.

[@AHDONIxTOxSHELIONI]

52:00 The Annan plan had discriminatory elements to it. It placed restrictions on how many Greek Cypriots could live in the Turkish Cypriot state of the island and vice versa. Given the island was entering the EU at the time, accepting the Annan plan at the time of EU accession would have meant a clawback on liberties guaranteed under EU law. The Annan plan basically put a guarantee that you won’t have more than X number of Kostas or X number of Mehmets as your neighbour depending on the state you belong to.

[@Hasanbas-rv3vm]

Now you got nothing😂😂😂

[@HOPEfullBoi01]

@@AHDONIxTOxSHELIONI discriminatory absolutely yes. To Turkish Cypriots that is.

[@timor64]

This is the best video I have ever seen on Cyprus. I had hoped that about half (1/3? 1/5?) of your video would be shot in Northern/Turkish Cyprus and the remainder in Southern/Greek Cyprus. The silent similarities and contrasts in backgrounds would have been interesting

[@mirandapillsbury7885]

As someone who is half Turkish Cypriot I have to say that I truly wish our two communities remain separated. We have enjoyed relative peace being apart. Plus with more time our differences have grown larger and the divide is real. The young do not remember a time living with the other side. It's time to think pragmatically and realistically. That said, something needs to be changed to offer hope and opportunity for the Turkish Cypriots because this political isolation is rather ridiculous and yes it is to some extent unjust. I understand the approach of "let's isolate them until they have no other choice but to capitulate" but at a certain point it becomes vengeful and simply cruel. Yes both sides have committed atrocities onto the other but we must understand that as Turkish Cypriots, we are the minority there and there still is a real risk of our rights being undermined or of our lives being in actual danger. We might think things like the Cyprus now being in the EU might protect us but I highly doubt it. Rule of law can be a flimsy thing sometimes and our safety simply isnt guaranteed. I wish things wouldnt have turned out the way they have but they have and we must live with that reality and try to move forward as two seperate communities with hard borders between us.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

I would say that as long as someone is a EU citizen human rights for that person is pretty much protected better than everywhere else in the world Having said that i can understand people's concerns but the international community would never accept a defacto state made after an invasion it will set a terribly example for people like Putin

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous Thanks Pavlos. I agree. I think this point is often missed by Turkish Cypriots. That said, I think the Greek Cypriots may be a little too complacent. The world is changing. While I don't think that the TRNC will ever be a UN member, I do think we may well start to see more and more de facto acceptance and even some countries recognising it. Interestingly, as I mentioned, I think that Azerbaijan does now, but is being careful not to state in full and final terms. But, overall, the fear of antagonising Cyprus and the EU - which long decreed any talk of recognition - is seemingly waning. This is obviously worrying in a more general sense as it indicates the diminishing clout of the EU in some quarters.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@JamesKerLindsay yap i can imagine for example Russia recognising in some extent TRNC as a side effect of the antagonism with NATO and EU

[@bilic8094]

@@Pavlos_Charalambous No I doubt Russia would recognize it since they would want Turkiye to recognize crimea and the donbass and Turkiye wouldn't do that because it's ties to nato.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

@@bilic8094 that could happen even unofficially to be honest, it only takes a handful of representatives of the Russian federation named anything else than diplomats to " set up shop " in the region and that could encourage some Muslim countries to do so as well. But i feel in order to work it going to need the introduction of a parallel Russian or Chinese lead global system that at least for now doesn't seem to be an attractive idea for most UN member states

[@ÖSA-q4w]

Turks of Türkiye or Cyprus or the Balkans have learned to not expect to be "accepted" by the so called "Int'l community" AKA "European / Western community".. TRNC will be recognized sooner or later.. In that sence, Greeks might be "comfortable" today, but Turks have the patience to be "isolated" for some time to be independent tomorrow. Isoloted not meaining much for Cyrpiot Turks anyway..

[@cannibal_94]

55:00 in Limassol there is a small turkish cypriot community

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Be were..! They gonna ask for their ..self determine..!

[@blankblank2370]

Hey Professor, great video (as always)! I asked some questions in the original community post and I'm interested in hearing your answer. I copied it below. Feel free to answer if you find the time. Regardless, thank you for the work you do. In a two-state solution for the island of Cyprus, what are the basic provisions one could reasonably expect to come from that deal (i.e. regulatory alignment, free movement of people, demilitarization, mandated bilingualism for services, etc.)? Could such an agreement leave the door open for reunification in the future, similar to the Good Friday Agreement's provisions for Irish unification?

[@stratos8]

Reality is often disapointing I don't think the Island will ever be one again.

[@Turgon92]

greetings from a former ΕΛΔΥΚ soldier, great video!

[@affemitwaffe2696]

Q&A for all videos pls

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. As much as I’d love to do this, it would be hard. Cyprus is really my home ‘issue’. I’ve worked on it for over 30 years. I feel really well placed to do this sort of really deep dive. But you have given me an idea I might try to explore.

[@affemitwaffe2696]

@@JamesKerLindsay Understandable 👍

[@custardcream003]

Everything you said about the hydrocarbons is absolutely spot on! The TC cannot claim to be independent and at the same time say they have a right to the hydrocarbons which fall under the EEZ of the ROC.You’re either part of the republic or not. you cannot have both.

[@M131A]

And the same goes for the Greek Cypriots. They can’t refuse the Turkish Cypriots their independence stating they are part of the RoC and simultaneously refuse to work with them on hydrocarbons as a real CBM whilst trying to attain reunification. Works both ways. Ask Akinci.

[@custardcream003]

@@M131A the ROC already said they would allocate revenues between the two communities and when reunification happens the money put aside for the TC would be used to develop the region. The TC refuse saying they should be part of the decision making process as the TRNC which would “lead to de facto recognition. This will never be allowed.

[@M131A]

@@custardcream003 But the Turkish Cypriots should be part of the decision-making process, under federal solution so that doesn’t make sense either.

[@custardcream003]

@@M131A and they are welcome to join the legitimate government of cyprus that’s why the seat of the VP has been kept vacant all these years. the “government” of the trnc can’t be part of the decision making process of a government that doesn’t even recognise the trnc as a state. this is not an agreement between two countries this is the ROC exercising its sovereign right the trnc has no right to make demands

[@custardcream003]

@@M131A they can be a part of the decision making process as part of the legitimate government but they insist on being recognised as a separate government which is unacceptable

[@barker900]

Will Republic of Cyprus be allowed to join Schengen because of it's in-ability to control borders in the north. Similar problem to Ireland. Without re-unification or closing the borders to the north?? I would have thought the EU would be un-happy, but what do you think? Also, why did the EU allow a divided island in to the EU, should it not have been conditional on agreement to the annan plan. The sequence of events were all wrong and very much a missed opportunity.

[@smsppns]

Disclaimer: The following strictly personal opinion may sound controversial to some and is not meant to offend or undermine the importance of anyone. It is written by somebody who loves the island of Cyprus and really cares about the best possible future for its people I believe that the core of the unsolvability of the Cyprus problem is that both sides are stuck with official political lines that they in fact do not want, but will never admit to not wanting. The Greek Cypriots do not really want unification: they have achieved a very high quality of life, they are quite rich and prosperous and they live in a stable country that provides access to all EU privileges. A possible reunification would be costly, and could undermine the stability of the country and therefore the touristic industry which is the main source of prosperity. They would have to share the governance with Turkish Cypriots, and they are well aware that Turkey's aggressive and invasive policy in every country where there is a related minority would be a constant drawback in any sort of progress and even a danger to the democracy. They may also have in mind that Turkish Cypriots have a higher birth rate, which could mean that the demographic proportions could change to their disadvantage over the years. The Turkish Cypriots actually want unification: the declaration of independence brought to them all the disadvantages that this severe violation of international law resulted in, including isolation, non-recognition, and total political and financial dependence on Turkey, but none of the benefits of having a country of their own: they have to deal with tons of settlers, they are a puppet "state" of Turkey, thus not really independent, 20% of the people living there are Turkish Army, and the economy is blocked and even subjected to all the trouble the Turkish Lira goes through. Unification would bring huge economic benefits, as well as direct entry into the EU. Thus, deep inside, it is the Greek Cypriots that want a 2 country solution and the Turkish Cypriots that want a 1 country solution. But none can admit to it, or they will sound like traitors. This is never spoken but becomes apparent behind a voting curtain. In a possible reunification agreement, Greek Cypriots will probably lose from their everyday life prosperity and Turkish Cypriots will win I always shock my Greek Cypriot friends by telling them that a truly brave (Greek) Cypriot leader would be the one that would trade really expensively independence for Northern Cyprus in return for as much more land and coastline as possible

[@andrigeogiou8420]

Sir..! ..." The Greek Cypriots do not want ..unification "...! Now how you get this conclusion...? .you should of known , that OUR homes/ villages/..towns ..are there STILL under Turkey's occupation..! You should of known that the Nation of Turkey played dirty games against my country CYPRUS since 1958..! Through our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots. A minority of 18% , whom been found with.." over rights "..with the establishment of our common state. The Republic of CYPRUS ,at early 60s , and yet They blew them UP ,following instructions from Turkey..! They ,actually took the arms against their own state..! ..Our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots , as I mentioned above , even IF as a minority of 18% , they' be been found with rights like they were 30%-40% (of the islands population) , with their participation in the states rulings and functions , ...YET , they was.. blocking .! ..the progress plans of the state .(.of that time ). ..in our days .. Our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots , they past their dimant for equality ..( like 50%-50%).. , on the NEW states functions , AND they are asking for ..a separate one ..! ( a separate state ).. Again ,Turkey ,through them is trying to put a hand on the islands nature sources..! ..after ,ALL those , how WE ,the Greek Cypriots , . ! The losers , if you like ,..WE can go further with more givings..? Like .." We get land ...They get ..power on rulings / functions..!

[@smsppns]

@@andrigeogiou8420 ​ @Andri Geogiou please take no offense. I am not saying that what has happened in the past was fair in any way toward the Greek Cypriots. I am by no means blaming the Greek Cypriots. I am just trying to describe a 2022 reality. And your comment proves exactly what I am saying: that Greek Cypriots are by no means ready to deliver any sort of governance of the Republic to the Turkish Cypriots, nor are they ready to survive under a Turkish Cypriot president, who is very likely going to be controlled by Ankara

[@andrigeogiou8420]

@@smsppns ..well , something like this...! By my opinion _ and as I wrote it ,and elsewhere... The KEY word about the CYPRUS issue is ...respect..! RESPECT...! The main reason that the Republic of CYPRUS , renters the EEU ,is exactly , for the quarantee , and respect of ALL its citizens human rights..! ALL..CYPRIOTS HUMAN RIGHTS.! Greeks ,Turks , Maronite's, Armenians, Latin's, British... etc..! NO MORE ,any quarantor powers . A l l ,and the three of them ( Greece Turkey and England )..they played enough with their dirty games against us Cypriots..! TODAY... for those they don't know. . one out of the six members of CYPRUS in the European parliament IS a Turkish Cypriot , been elected mainly by the votes of the Greek Cypriots..! About ..120.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Republic of CYPRUS ...IDs..! 80.000 of our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots are owners of the Republic of CYPRUS ..Passport..! ..Turkey , should except things , and finally l et us Cypriots to live happy on our island..! Our compatriot's Turkish Cypriots , they have to realised that after all they are just the 18% of the islands population..! RESPECT...!

[@tng2057]

I wonder, whether the current geopolitical development with a new cold war, Turkey moving away from the west while Greece moving in the opposite direction, we can see the China/ Russia block favoring the Turkish stand by eventually recognizing North Cyprus, making the settlement even more difficult.

[@bobmake8655]

The biggest issue is the Greek Cypriots. They don’t want reunification, they want Enosis. That’s why it will never be solved. I won’t lie as well, Turkish Cypriots want to be with Turkiye. It’s never going to be resolved

[@bilic8094]

Turkiye does a good job balancing they play both sides all the time and it works.