Sunday, May 27, 2007

A grand coalition is still possible

"A grand coalition is still possible
By Nicos A Rolandis

TWENTY-SIX months ago, I wrote an article exhorting DISY and AKEL – the two parties that have historically similar views on the question of Cyprus – to form a grand coalition at the next presidential elections with the basic objective of resolving in a pragmatic way the problem. I also wrote that it would prove much more awkward to achieve a solution as time goes by.

I do not know whether there is still any possibility left to reunite Cyprus. During the last four years, the texture of the Cyprus problem has been seriously impaired. All aspects are in shambles. Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied north have been built up and sold to foreigners. An influx of approximately 60,000 new settlers from Turkey has pushed the total to 200,000. The Turkish Cypriots have recently distanced themselves from the Greek Cypriots. The anticipation of an adjustment and return of territory (Famagusta, Morphou plus 50-odd villages) is now hovering in an air of dreamland. Who will ever manage to reverse this situation, how and when?"

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