On Friday on television I saw the horrific pictures of a young Greek Cypriot being gunned down by Turkish occupation forces while trying to remove a Turkish flag. Two days earlier another Greek Cypriot was beaten to death by Turkish vigilantes. Historically, Cyprus has always been considered a Greek island and even the most important figure in modern Turkish history advocated resettlement of the Turkish minority in the Turkish heartland Anatolia. Turkey has a population of about 55 million and Cyprus about 700,000, so it is physically impossible for the local people to remove the invaders. I know the people in Hong Kong have their own problems, but I hope they can spare a thought for the people of Cyprus who want their island reunited. The UN is trying to stop the situation escalating, but the only real answer to this problem involves the removal of Turkish troops from the island altogether, that is what the international community should be aiming for. The Turkish Government has an appalling record in its treatment of minorities as Kurds, Armenians, Shi'ite Muslims (Alevi Turks) and left wingers can all testify. Please don't misunderstand me, it is the political system I dislike not the people or the country. Turkey is a marvellous country for a holiday and most people are very friendly. I must like it since I have been there four times. I have also visited both parts of the divided island. I must state my interest by stating that I have a Greek mother and so cannot be completely impartial. I do however feel that an objective analysis would support my argument. If anybody in Hong Kong has any influence then I urge them to use it. No doubt the Turkish Consulate's PR department will be writing in soon to claim I am wrong. I urge readers to be highly sceptical of their analysis. P.A. TAYLOR Wan Chai
