From: varnavas@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (varnavas constantine)
Subject: Re: Who gets to vote in Cyprus?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 23:52:11 GMT

serdar@fawlty8.eng.monash.edu.au (Serdar Boztas) writes:

>varnavas@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (varnavas constantine) writes:

>>Turkish settlers do vote. 

>True. On the other hand, did the Greek soldiers who trained/joined
>the national guard (a totally extra-constitutional force created
>by the Greek Cypriot Leadership in the post-1963 period) vote?
>Probably not, since there were no elections in that period, at
>least not until 1970. I don't know if they voted in 1970. But they
>'voted' with their arms during Greek Cypriot attacks on the Turkish
>Cypriot community.

First of all, the constitution of 1960 provided for a Greek force, as
well as a Turkish force to be stationed in Cyprus - totally wrong if you
ask me, as stationing of foreign troops on Cyprus compromises the independence
of the country.  Second, the Greek troops were present there to prevented a
Turkish invasion (Lyndon B. Johnson averted such action at the last minute
in 1964.  The Turkish airforce also bombarded Cyprus in 1964).  And third,
the constitution of 1960 was not in effect in the
period 1963-1974.  For that I blaim all three sides (British, Greek, and
Turkish).  Mainly the British that handed us a totally unworkable
constitution.  When Makarios proposed the 13 amendments to the constitution
(most of which sound very reasonable to me) the Turkish government
rejected them, before the Turkish Cypriots could speak.  For the
polarization between the two communities I blame both sides and I condemn
(as I did in the past on the net) attrocities from both sides.  Are you
willing to do the same?
Between 1963-1970 there were no elections because, I believe, there was
no opponent to Makarios in the only elction scheduled for that period.
His popularity was overhelming during that period.

>Please note that I am not blaming one side exclusively, I am just
>pointing out some 'chinks' in your armour.

I respect your point of view, even though I may disagree with you.

>Another point is that a lot of the people from Turkey have 
>intermarried with Turkish Cypriots. It would be very difficult
>and wrong to deny them a vote.

The problem is not created by Turks married with Turkish Cypriots.  It's
created by the massive settlement of Turks in Cyprus to begin with, for
the purpose of changing the demographics of Cyprus.  Kuko's (sp?) report
for the European Council documents (and condemns) the settlement.  Anyway
most Turks are not married to Turkish Cypriots and they still get to vote.
Isn't that right?

>Look, a lot of Turkish cypriots emigrated from Cyprus during
>the 1963-74 period. They were 'encouraged' in this by the so-called
>Cyprus government. I can point to this as a similar example of
>changing demographics in less than regular ways.
> 
True, that Greek Cypriot actions in the period 1963-74 did not encourage
harmony between the two communities.  At the same time, the Turkish Cypriots
did not show any signs of cooperation either.  It is wrong to believe that
the actions (attrocities) of a handful of lunatic Greek Cypriots in 1963-74
represent the majority of Greek Cypriots.  They certainly do not represent
me.  I assume that the Turks/Turkish Cypriots that committed attrocities
during 1955-74 do not represent you.  Is my assumption correct?

>> As far as I know, Turkish Army soldiers do not vote.

>Correct. They don't even vote in Turkey, the conscripts, that is.
>During the 18 months of military service, if there is an election,
>tough luck for them. On the other hand, the voting age is only now
>being lowered to 18 from 21, and therefore the majority of
>conscripts would not have been able to vote in any case. But I
>digress...

>>  The population is ~100,000 Turkish Cypriots and ~80,000 settlers.

>The population is ~125,000 Turkish Cypriots and possibly 35,000
>settlers at most.

We can check Kuko's report for the numbers.  I find both numbers you site
above unreasonable - especially the settler's number.

>Denktas has been getting elected by quite substantial margins
>anyway. So the settlers' contribution to his election is not
>as substantial as you claim.

That is, assuming the numbers you site are accurate!

>>Constantinos Varnavas

>Regards,

>Serdar

Disclaimer:  The above opinions are mine and mine only.
-- 
Constantinos Varnavas
University of Illinois
Newsgroups: soc.culture.greek