The column was perturbed by the announcement from the European Commission marking the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Regulation for trade through the Green Line.
And the crossings, as it states, which, however, had begun in 2003.
The undersigned belongs to the large portion of Greek Cypriots who took advantage of the opportunity to visit the occupied territories from the first day after 29 years. It was an unparalleled experience of incomparable value for each individual and all together.
That first transition to the occupied territories was repeated many times. It is never the same as the first time. But it always “touches”. That is why the European Commission must respectfully deal with such significant events for the world.
One gets angry when realizing how politically and ethically limited the European Commission is, far too often.
What on earth was the author of the announcement thinking – and those who approved and publicized it? Do they believe they handled such a difficult issue with political and diplomatic wisdom or skill? Difficult in their minds.
The column finds the following reference from the European Commission insulting and offensive to hundreds of thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots:
“Greek and Turkish Cypriot citizens cross the Green Line for various reasons: to shop and eat in restaurants in the other community due to lower prices or the different range of available products; to visit cultural monuments or different cities; or simply, to visit friends. Several businesses engage in trade through the Green Line and cross it to meet their partners from the other community. Some Turkish Cypriots work and study in schools or universities in areas under the control of the government.”
Are we dealing with people who do not understand? Or with malicious individuals who think they are addressing people who do not understand?
Dear European Commission, the opportunity to “cross” and re-cross to the occupied territories in 2003, 2004, and the years that followed was and still is for many of us a staggering process. Equally staggering for thousands of Turkish Cypriots.
What amazed so many people on both sides then and later was not the shopping or the different food or the lower prices, as stated in the announcement.
It was the unexpected return, for a few minutes or hours, to where everyone was born. Where hope had been lost on both sides, even for a brief physical presence.
And this was experienced by scores of people from both communities. And many of them choose to maintain contact with the other half of the country, driven by the same need.
And they consider contact with the other half a political choice, which is why many of them continue to work for reconciliation.
In the process, yes, the Regulation for trade through the Green Line became a means for business cooperation to profit traders, producers, middlemen, buyers. Even violating the essence of the Regulation – which concerns products produced in Cyprus – but who cares.
And yes, for many, the occupied territories became a cheaper market. Or a tourist destination. Or an interesting trip. Just as it did for many Turkish Cypriots.
But, enjoy yourselves, gentlemen of the European Commission, and if you don’t understand the basics, don’t bother. Thousands rushed to the occupied territories in 2003 and 2004. And afterwards.
Not for food, not for shopping. Many of us, who are Turkish Cypriots, experienced the same innate and incomparable joy.
If for this dense with emotions and meanings historical – and prolonged due to the lack of agreement on a solution to the Cyprus problem – event you do not devote even a small mention in the announcement because you see it and praise it primarily as a market function, you simply confirm that you remain something alien to this place.
