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US IN THE MIRROR OF OTHERS · penna!

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: It is an indisputable fact that the two communities in Cyprus need to trust one another more.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: It is therefore essential to avoid steps that would undermine trust and to increase confidence-building measures.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: We are in agreement on this much.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: Yet I think the real issue begins here.
• 0:19
  SPEAKER_00: Because whilst everyone is well aware of their own grievances, they do not show the same sensitivity when it comes to the grievances of the other side.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: There is always a justification for what we do, whereas what the other side does is simply wrong.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: For a significant proportion of Greek Cypriots, the fact that Turkish Cypriot young people cannot take part in international organizations may be seen as simply part of the normal course of life.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: Similarly, the blocking or cancellation of an international festival planned for the north can be regarded as perfectly ordinary.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: For Turkish Cypriots, this is complete exclusion, injustice, and isolation.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: Let's turn the mirror round.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: The population transfer to the north of the island over the years naturally causes serious concern amongst Greek Cypriots as well.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: They believe the demographic structure is being altered.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: They view this as a matter concerning their own country, their property, and their future.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: It is not just a concern for Greek Cypriots.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: It is actually a concern for Turkish Cypriots too.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: However, for the Turkish side, it is perfectly ordinary.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: Another example.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: For a significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots, the fact that property left behind by Greek Cypriots in the north is sold to others without consulting the owners, and that a substantial rent-seeking economy is created as a result is seen as normal.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_00: The fact that this undermines trust is not taken into account.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: But, for example, when there is an arrest, we naturally react.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: Then there is tension.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: Such arrests should not happen.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: Yet the sales continue.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: Let's be realistic though.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: If someone were to sell a property that belonged to you to another person without giving you a second thought, how would you really feel?
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_00: The same contradiction arises when it comes to the issue of security.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: A significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots view the tens of thousands of Turkish troops in the north as a guarantee.
• 2:39
  SPEAKER_00: Greek Cypriots, on the other hand, perceive the same military presence as a threat.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: When Greek Cypriots enter into military agreements with France, the US, or other countries, they justify this on the grounds of their own security needs.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: So how do Turkish Cypriots view this?
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: As a threat?
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: It seems then that what we call security also varies depending on where we stand.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: We have yet another peculiar contradiction.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: We have an official policy that refuses even to utter the name of the Republic of Cyprus.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: Yet a significant proportion of Turkish Cypriots hold the identity documents and passports of this republic.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: We justify this, quite rightly, by saying, we are founding partners of this state.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: But does founding partnership consist solely of rights?
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_00: When we obtain identity documents, passports, or benefit from the opportunities afforded by European Union citizenship, we are founding partners.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: But when it comes to the constitutional order, property rights, or the country's territorial integrity, what kind of relationship do we find ourselves in?
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_00: There are no easy answers to these questions.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_00: Perhaps this is precisely why we need a new and comprehensive social study in Cyprus.
• 4:06
  SPEAKER_00: What builds trust and what erodes it?
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: More importantly, why do we so readily normalize similar behaviors in ourselves when we demand that the other side change theirs?
• 4:20
  SPEAKER_00: The truth is, rapprochement, trust or peace is not merely about asking the other side to look in the mirror.
• 4:28
  SPEAKER_00: You too will have to look in the mirror from time to time, to be able to face up to things.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_00: This applies to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
• 4:39
  SPEAKER_00: If only both societies and their leaders could face up to their own contradictions.
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_00: U.S.
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_00: in the Mirror of Others.