The latest research by “Omada Kypros” (Team Cyprus) shows that 40% of the
Greek Cypriot community are reserved in expressing their position on a future
plan for the solution of the Cyprus problem. These reservations are respected
and justified and are mainly due to respondents waiting to see the agreement
before they position themselves.
The negotiations for this agreement are currently being intensified
and the difficulties faced by both leaders are in the forefront on a daily
basis. Today, rumours keep emerging on different scenarios and changes that
will follow after an agreement is reached. These rumours are multiplying every
day, subject to public statements by the leaders.
It is certain that the solution will bring changes. Changes in
governance but also in the way we live. The status quo will no longer exist, 40
years of living this life will change. My generation as well as the younger
ones have never lived anything else but the status quo in this island.
But, have we ever wondered what the solution will definitely change?
Have we wondered what we lose by keeping the status quo and what we gain by a
solution? Simple things. Simple changes that change the way we live our lives
for the better. The agreement is not in our hands. We have no way of knowing
what it will entail, but I can surely present 10 changes that will occur after
a solution. Ten positive changes that we all gain by discontinuing the status
quo.
Change #1: No more Turkish army
Having no reason to stay in the island, the Turkish army will leave.
Change #2: Access to villages
that are now military camps
No more Turkish army means no more military camps. Villages such as Asha
(Pashakoy) that are now used as military camps will be accessible, 41 years
later.
Change #3: No more greenline
No more dead ends, no more barrels blocking the road, no more barbed
wire and warning signs.
Change #4: Free movement
No more barricades. No more showing passports to visit Kyrenia and
Apostolos Andreas.
Change #5: Opening of Varosha
The beautiful coastline of Varosha will be accessible to walk all the
way to Derynia.
Change #6: Development
Just the redevelopment of the closed area of Varosha will create job
opportunities and attract investments so much needed to Cyprus’ economy.
Change #7: No more migration of
Cypriot youth
Development means an economic future for the youth of Cyprus. Greek Cypriots
and Turkish Cypriots will not need to migrate to find jobs elsewhere.
Change #8: No more conscription
Young men will have the opportunity to make their own decisions on how
to spend the first two years of adulthood.
Change #9: Operation of
religious venues
Religious venues will be able to operate without asking permissions or
reporting on the people who will be visiting.
Change #10: We will be
responsible for our own future.
The stagnation of the Cyprus problem means stagnation of our future. A
solution to the problem will return the responsibility of maintaining the peace
to us.
These ten positive changes apply to all Cypriots; Greek Cypriots,
Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins. These changes are reasons to
support the negotiations and ask for a successful ending. These ten reasons may
become 20, 50 or 100 after the agreement is signed, as long as we are willing
to give it a try.
It might therefore be time to change our mentality and see what we
lose by living with the status quo and what we gain by a solution.
* Natasha Apostolidou is a
Communications specialist, member of “Omada Kypros” (Team Cyprus) and member of
the Technical Committee on Humanitarian issues.
