With the economy "in free fall" and with allegations of political interference by Turkey, citizens in occupied Cyprus have begun to take to the streets in their thousands to support a federal future for the island, the Guardian writes in a report from occupied Nicosia.
British newspaper correspondent Helena Smith first talks to the head of the Turkish Cypriot teachers' guild, Sener Elchil, one of the leaders of these demonstrations, who notes that "there is anger in the air."
The paper points to the economic difficulties of citizens due to rising inflation, as well as the call for a boycott of the upcoming "parliamentary elections". At the same time, the Guardian adds, "a blacklist of Turkish Cypriot dissidents, allegedly drawn up at Ankara's behest, has caused uproar and fear."
A fervent supporter of reunification Mr. Elcil states that "Turkey is the biggest problem" for Turkish Cypriots and that it should "keep its hands off Cyprus, take its lira and leave."
He notes that because of the Turkish lira's slide five years ago, the salary of a newly appointed Turkish Cypriot teacher amounted to 1,100 euros a month. Now this salary has been reduced to 350 euros net.
It is also noted that the pro-reunification demonstrations come at a time when hopes for reunification "have rarely been so bleak". It cites the UN Secretary General's warning that without decisive action there will hardly be any progress.
The head of a left-wing opposition party that has announced a boycott of the "elections", Izet Izzan, believes that "partition is so close", accusing Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar of being a "puppet of Ankara".
He comments that never before has Turkish interference in Turkish Cypriot affairs been so blatant and that the "elections" no longer represent the Turkish Cypriots as it is "a game planned and played by Turkey".
Mayor of occupied Nicosia Mehmet Harmanji comments on the "blacklist" of 42 politicians, writers, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists and artists revealed by Avrupa and says it "has caused fear and uncertainty". He adds that since Tatar's "election" the sense of freedom of expression and mutual respect that distinguished Turkish Cypriot society has changed.
The publication goes on to cite incidents of Turkish Cypriots being banned from entering Turkey, without explanation, such as journalist Ali Kishmir.
The response concludes with a statement by Mr Elchil: "There should be more protests targeting Turkey, because Turkey is the biggest obstacle to a solution to the Cyprus problem and reunification. They call us traitors and Turkish-speaking Greeks, but we do not give up. We are here to stay and we are here to fight."
Source: KYPE
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