J notes this morning that the missing Turkish flag on the mountain has been replaced already. Winds now back to normal levels. And on the other (east) side of us are the Turkish, Turkish Cypriot, and Swedish flags at the home of some still unidentified neighbour, presumably Swedish. Did meet a couple of Swedish people at the gathering in Çatalköy last Wednesday but they lived on the east side of the island.
The Republic of Cyprus (South) has been making noises about wishing to join NATO, thus furthering the island’s traditional role as an unsinkable aircraft carrier. In particular President Christodoulides has spoken with outgoing President Biden and outlined “a bold plan for Cyprus’ future with NATO, including the possibility of US forces staying permanently on the island”. Hard to imagine what visions of dollar signs danced in his head. Civilian protests in Larnaca on the weekend opposing the growing militarization of Cyprus are unlikely to have moved him much. However Türkiye is a member of NATO and has pointed out that it has, and would use, its veto to prevent Cyprus’s accession. Though Türkiye too may have its price.
Posts
