Article by the former Commander of KSED, Chief Master Costas Fytiris
On Saturday, August 10, 2019, as a sign of a minimum tribute (since I had lived very closely to the events of 1996), I attended the roadblock of Deryneia, at the commemorative events organized by the "Isaac-Solomos Memorial Initiative" on the anniversary of the assassination of Solomon and Isaac. We watched with great emotion a modest ceremony but full of pulse and messages. So there, all those present, we witnessed many contradictory situations. On the one hand, young children with an incredible maturity and with rich speeches sent messages of hope for the future of this country. On the other hand, the absent state was represented by about 200 well-armed police officers who I think felt very uncomfortable because they did not have to face thugs but the youth of Cyprus who fortunately do not forget and fight peacefully to awaken all of us of the previous generation, who were comfortable and we do not care. But the biggest contradiction, which I noticed for the first time "myself" was the roadblock of Deryneia. Next to the ghost town of Famagusta, both the "perfection" of the buildings and the roads to and from the occupied areas and the "modern" procedures that are followed cause black feelings. The flags of the Republic of Cyprus and the EU on our side and the flag of the pseudo-state on the occupied side. The police of the Republic and the pseudo-state "faithfully follow" the procedures that are the same and perhaps more strict than cross-border outposts between independent states.
We forget, however, that since 1974, after the end of hostilities and the takeover of the neutral zone provided by the KD to UNFICYP, the status quo has been established, which means "existing situation" and UNFICYP does not allow the change of a single barrel on the line. ceasefire! (This of course applies to our side because the occupying forces have violated the status quo many times! (See Strovilia, Denia, etc.). The meaning of the status quo is to maintain the temporary situation as it emerged after the military operations and the acceptance by on both sides of the temporary boundaries of the Ceasefire Line, until the problem is finally resolved.The roadblocks were opened during the crisis in the occupied territories after the Turkish Cypriot uprising in 2004. We essentially opened the crisis relief valve, believing that it would contribute to reunification of our Homeland and finally not only did not contribute in this direction but turned against us! Intentions and desires have no value if the result is not what we seek. We are a people with incredible abilities but we are guided by temporary desire, sentimentality Unlike the Turks, we do not have short-term planning long-term and long-term level that differs not when governments change, but only when the data and factors on which the plan was designed for a specific outcome change. The National Strategy, which should have been done for many decades by the highest level of government of the country and accepted by the Parliament and only with this process to be modified, is generally absent. So even in the case of roadblocks, the result violates our expectations. Whether pressure was exerted or not, the plate of the greatest benefit leaned towards the occupied (I do not mention T / C because they are now a minority!)
And the question arises! Are they roadblocks for the reunification of our Homeland or "cross-border" outposts that contribute to division?
The symbolism in such cases is very important and we should be very careful in how we implement confidence building measures (MOE) and contribute to the solution of the chronic Cyprus problem. We are on the chessboard but we do not know good chess! The basic principle for our actions must be the prediction of all the moves of the opponent, with the possible result of each of his actions and what benefits or costs each move will have for our side and then the planning of our own moves. , aiming for the best result not only now but in the future for future generations.
However, as the situation is today, if we close the roadblocks, things may be worse because they have already been established customarily with the common acceptance of the Republic of Cyprus and the occupiers and with the support of the UN for more than 15 years. What we can do, however, is to put the issue back on its proper footing: That ONE is the recognized government throughout the territory. The roadblocks were opened in the context of the temporary status quo and the control should be done by the legal authorities of the Republic only for those who enter from the side of the occupiers in order to determine if they have entered the territory of K.D. illegally. That is, the permanent residents of the island, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, who have the right to reside and move freely throughout Cyprus, should not be controlled. After all, this is also provided for in the European acquis. Instead, we have introduced the "cross-border outpost" process. Foreigners very logically call the roadblocks "Border Control Points" since the normal border control procedures are applied. Because symbolism is so important, it is probably no coincidence that roadblocks are funded by foreign capital. Permanent installations give the message of the final goal or final arrangement.
Taking into account all the above, I estimate that if we applied the very simple method of redesign based on the result, which is characterized by a Greek word with deep meaning, FEEDBACK, things would be very different! We control the result from the implementation of a process or a decision and if it is not what is intended, then obviously we change our design and actions. Unless, of course, we have committed or signed agreements that do not allow us to make any changes. We hope not, because otherwise, apart from the foreigners who call the roadblocks "Border Control Points", little by little the Greeks will also call the roadblocks as "Border Checkpoints of Deryneia, Agios Dometios… etc"
In conclusion, it is estimated that those involved in the three main areas of operation of the state related to the Turkish threat and provocation (Diplomacy - Economy / Energy and Security), have the power and responsibility to take initiatives in order to finally have a National Strategy required. for the optimization of the result in every battle and in every level, because only in this way the present and the future of the Cypriot Hellenism will be ensured…
