The possibility of annexation of the occupied territories by Turkey is not particularly likely but should not be completely ruled out, says presidential candidate Constantine Christofides, noting that a methodical effort and intense diplomacy is needed to prevent such a negative development which would turn the Green Line into a "hard" border with Turkey.
"In many international media and in the occupied territories, the information that on July 20, the anniversary of the black tragedy, the President of Turkey will declare the annexation of the occupied territories to Turkey is raging these days," he said in a statement.
It notes that a sober political analysis would conclude that such a scenario is not very likely because it would be met with strong opposition from the international community and of course from progressive Turkish Cypriots themselves.
"However, with the Turkish president's popularity currently at rock bottom and the nationalist frenzy in Turkey dominating the public sphere, the annexation move, unthinkable until a few years ago, should not be completely ruled out. For the Turkish president and his political allies, the exploitation of the Cyprus problem in extreme directions will activate the reflexes of Turkish nationalism in the expectation that they will overturn the opinion polls."
Unfortunately, Mr. "Our political leadership does not seem prepared for such scenarios, despite the fact that after the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has been working methodically on the possible annexation of the occupied territories."
"The international press was recording it. Our MFA was working methodically to build a presidential candidacy profile. Today the risks are enormous for the future of our country. Methodical efforts and intense diplomacy are needed to prevent such a negative development, which would turn the Green Line into a 'hard' border with Turkey," he added. At the same time, he says, policies should be implemented to strengthen our relations with progressive Turkish Cypriots.
Source: CNA
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