Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Turkey said she would seriously consider annexing the TRNC if the talks failed.

Ker-Lindsay said that both sides need to consider that eventuality, since Turkey’s conservatism and undemocratic behaviour was becoming increasingly worrying.

People do believe that Turkey is on board. Erdogan, he said, is not personally interested in Cyprus and would be happy to see the talks concluded. In addition, he noted that the negotiations are more Cypriot oriented than before.

However, returning to the possibility of annexation of the TRNC, Kerr-Lindsay points to the example of the independent Ukrainian Republic of the Crimea, which decided to return to the Russian Federation on 18th March 2014. After the uproar which followed, people have got over that, he said. President Erdogan will be thinking the same thing, particularly now that Turkey’s EU accession ambitions are over.

Cypriots on both sides of the divide are worried about potential annexation of the TRNC with Turkey. Charalambous noted that a few days ago, there was a mass rally, with thousands of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, held on the island. This was an unprecedented event, she said. They were all demanding the reunification of Cyprus.

Could this be true?

... thousands of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots...

...out of populations numbering MILLIONS!! - a tiny minority!

Regarding 'annexation' I believe that this would be considered by the International Community to be as illegal as was the declaration of 'TRNC' in the first place.

The TRNC, unlike the 'Independent Ukrainian Republic of the Crimea', could not legally (in the eyes of the International Community') decide or agree to anything because they do not legally exist.

**Don't ask me how they can then still negotiate with the TRNC for terms of a settlement** !!!!

Millions of Cypriots ?.......where.

Turtle, quite right - I should have said 'Hundreds of thousands'.

I got a bit carried away there!

Any attempt by Turkey would be vigorously contested by the ROC and they will certainly recruit the powers within the EU and UN to fight their cause.
I would expect severe backlash against Turkey.
The Turkish administration will most certainly be aware of the risks and I find it highly unlikely. Also there is nothing to gain by annexing TRNC. Turkey has a massive presence, has complete military control and has absolutely no reason to rock the boat.

BUT, if a referendum was to be held in the TRNC about whether or not the TRNC should become part of Turkey (annexed), the number of mainland Turks now resident here would probably ensure that the vote was 'Yes'. The result of this LEGAL referendum would, surely, have to be recognised by the rest of the world.

Yes - but cash your Turkish Lira in quickly if they do!

Confused! Why cash in TL if Turkey annex's the TRNC? We are on TL now - what would change?

PapaBravo writes: "BUT, if a referendum was to be held in the TRNC about whether or not the TRNC should become part of Turkey (annexed), the number of mainland Turks now resident here would probably ensure that the vote was 'Yes'."
Actually, in the recent past this has also been my view.

However the situation is somewhat different now:
Most Turkish mainlanders came here, many years ago, as settlers, mostly from poor areas of Turkey where they earned very low wages.
Now they have a much better lifestyle and standard of living than they had earlier, and would have again if they were now back in Turkey.
And they have families that have grown up here and never lived in Turkey.
The younger generation, I am told, prefer the "Cypriot" way of life than the traditional "Turkish" muslim religion-orientated way of life.
And they are not into "politics" of the past in the same way as the older generation.
If these younger people would rather gain a Cyprus passport they will become EU citizens with all the advantages of free movement and employment etc. That could sway the vote to "YES", unification rather than annexation.
And, under President Erdogan, Turkey is not the same as it used to be. It is becoming more unstable, loss of freedom of expression, questionable human rights, more dictatorial than democratic.

So how would all that affect the younger descendants of the original settlers and how would it all influence their vote??
Of course the major unknown factor is how they might fare under a Greek Cypriot dominated Federal State.

Lots of comments very interesting, how many lived under the Greeks before 74? Erdogan said yesterday morning in a speech, Greeks want the whole of island and I think he is correct. My husband tells me what it was like growing up here. People only talk of 1974, crap. From the early 50s Turkish Cypriots had a terrible time. Right or wrong, people will never forget.

waddo wrote:Confused! Why cash in TL if Turkey annex's the TRNC? We are on TL now - what would change?

The uncertainty about international reaction and/or possible sanctions could well trigger a larger than average run on the Turkish Lira!

But as most people of the World think that Cyprus is simply another Greek Island and are not only confused but surprised to find that it has two halves with two different peoples and cultures would they really care if it was annexed to Turkey? All the countries in the world, with the exception of Turkey, will not even recognize the TRNC as a country and fed by the rhetoric of the Greek Cypriots know it as "Occupied Territory" already - where would the difference by if it was to become annexed by Turkey? Surely was it not "annexed" in 1974 already in all but name? As the EU has recently found out, Turkey is more than happy to not become a part of the EU and finds itself in the position now of needing Turkey a lot more than Turkey needs the EU. Where would the USA base it's servicemen and equipment if it then imposed sanctions on Turkey and Turkey simply said - no problem, get out of Turkey and take your planes with you? Russia would applaud the annexation of TRNC by Turkey, after all it could do nothing else considering recent events in the Ukraine!

In truth the World has cared little to nothing about the TRNC since the early 1950's and I seriously doubt that they would care - beyond some minor posturing to keep the Greeks pacified - if Turkey did attempt annexation, with the consent of the Turkish Cypriots of course. Without the TRNC's consent then it would be another matter altogether!

After reading the above I wonder why is Boris coming over to meet both sides?

He's after a cheeky Keo and an Efes with traditional Cypriot scoff and the Cypriot shoulder shrug.

waddo wrote: Russia would applaud the annexation of TRNC by Turkey, after all it could do nothing else considering recent events in the Ukraine!

Only if it ignored the pressure from the Orthodox church, and didnt want use of a naval base in the Med and wanted to overlook the shooting down of one of its aircraft by Turkey.

In answer to the original question , yes!

kerry: Do you really think that Putin cares what the Orthodox church would say? If Turkey annexes the TRNC then where do you think it will build its deep water harbor as a military naval base - there are lots of smaller harbor's all ready in existence that could be taken over and a good sized marina up in the Karpas that could be expanded to fit the bill - who would complain and who to in Cyprus when the flood of money would come onto the Island to fund the upgrades? Turkey and Russia have already made their peace over the shooting down of its aircraft and are now big buddy's. There is nothing that a big enough "Brown Envelope" can not provide in the world and that is the main problem and why having Trump as the next president worry's me more than anything.

As for Boris wandering across to talk to both leaders about something he not only has no control over but fails to understand anyway - he thought he was getting a day in the sun on our tax expense - but it rained on his parade, ALL DAY - lol. Got what he deserved.

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/h ... /81108.htm
Under its leader Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has backed the aggressive expansionism of President Vladimir Putin, which has seen him extend Russian power into Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Kirill described Putin at a religious leaders' meeting in 2012 as "a miracle of God". 
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus% ... _relations
Cyprus is officially the third largest foreign investor in the Russian economy; most of foreign direct investments from Cyprus are in fact, Russian capitals hidden offshore for tax and legal protection purposes.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31632259
Russia has signed an agreement with Cyprus to give Russian navy ships access to Cypriot ports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed the deal after talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades

On 20 August 2016 Erdogan told his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko that Turkey would not recognize the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea; calling it "Crimea's occupation

A much bigger question for me anyway, in relation to the impact on UK citizens, is the fallout when Brexit kicks in. Will the GC's decide that they will no longer allow Brits easy passage across the border or will they decide that they can't upset their biggest tourist customers? How will Turkey view non EU UK citizens? How will that affect UK citizens living in the north?

Russians are non-EU citizens, they seem to get on OK in the North so what's the problem. As long as you have a few bob to spend and behave yourself I'm sure you will still be welcome.

There was some lengthy discussions on the subject of the post Brexit effect on British citizens attempting entry to the RoC just prior to and following the vote to exit the EU. The general consensus then appeared to be: 1. The RoC would not bother doing anything. 2. The RoC would still let British subjects into the RoC under the old Commonwealth arrangements. 3. The RoC would only let in British subjects via a recognized port of entry (the crossing points are not entry points) and 4. The RoC would stop all non-EU members from having access via the crossing points. Take your pick but it would probably be one of them!
How will Turkey view non-EU citizens - the same as they do now! How will that affect UK citizens living in the North - as the TRNC is not part of Turkey it will have no effect at all. However, if you meant how will the TRNC view non-EU UK citizens then: http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/ that is how. That may also put an end to the "Handshake" agreement in place for the over 60's at present but time will tell on that one.
The bigger question should be: If Turkey annexes the TRNC will the laws here then be the same as the Turkey laws or will the TRNC retain their own judicial system and laws?

Really not wishing to argue but to what Turkish laws on house ownership are you referring? From my limited knowledge it is not a problem at all as a non-Turk to own property under Turkish law. In fact easier than TRNC as there is no limit to the number of properties one can buy and sell.

Laura B, no argument required at all and since posting I have found that since the change in law in Turkey in 2012 it is now not only permitted for foreign nationals to purchase property in Turkey but also it has been made a much simpler process. There is a limit to the number of properties one can buy and sell in Turkey but it is so large as to not fall into the equation unless you intend to purchase more than 10% of a village or in excess of 300,000 SQM of land.

So you are indeed correct and I will edit my earlier post to ensure that there is no confusion - many thanks for your input.

Thanks for that Waddo. As you say, unless one wishes to buy fairly large areas of land it is all pretty straightforward. Still as many rip-offs as there appear to be here though!

Will Turkey annexe the TRNC?

No...nothing in the least to gain but plenty of trouble and strife if they tried.
Absolute non starter..

paul90 wrote:PapaBravo writes: "BUT, if a referendum was to be held in the TRNC about whether or not the TRNC should become part of Turkey (annexed), the number of mainland Turks now resident here would probably ensure that the vote was 'Yes'."
Actually, in the recent past this has also been my view.

The younger generation, I am told, prefer the "Cypriot" way of life than the traditional "Turkish" muslim religion-orientated way of life.
And they are not into "politics" of the past in the same way as the older generation.

I see exactly what you are referring to with this, the younger generation here are not like the older generation. They seem to try to be very fashionable with western trends and try to act as European as possible.

However, in keeping with your thoughts and my own, they are not into politics - could you really count on them to vote at all?

I for one would welcome Turkey annexing TRNC because TRNC is basically Turkey already, I am still absolutely shocked that imports from Turkey get Taxed - it is absolutely unbelievable for the government to be doing that considering North Cyprus addresses are written as being INSIDE Turkey.

If TRNC was annexed then at last we could trade in the open market, no extortionate tax, cars and other luxuries wouldn't be such a complete rip off, you could travel to Turkey without export licenses for your cars and basically TRNC would finally be free.

I also have to admit that it leaves a very bad taste in my mouth when I hear kibrisli's bad mouthing mainland Turks, literally every single aspect of this place runs solely because of Turkey and are aligning themselves with the GCs more so than the Turks.

It seems as though some have no gratitude what so ever for the fact that we would all be dead without Turkey and I often say if they ever vote to reunify they will deserve what ever happens.