As I read about the re-unification talks between President Christofias and Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat , I can’t help but wonder if these circular discussions will ever result in a proper solution. It seems as if every time a “real” issue is on the table (ie property disputes or governance), hours of discussions end with “we agreed to disagree on this matter” and “we will move on for now, and revisit this at a later time.”

The most difficult discussions might never be resolved — has anyone brought up the point that they CAN’T be resolved? Try as they may, some issues just can’t be resolved, no matter how good the intentions of both parties may be. How much longer can these discussions last before the momentum slows and excitement boils over? A united Cyprus sounds great, but will it ever happen?

Cypriots on both sides have been living side-by-side for 30 years. Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots cross the “border” every day. Besides highly publicized group crossings where government and media get involved, Cypriots basically travel freely throughout Cyprus. It might not be ideal, but it might be the least intrusive and progressive way to exist.

I say, “let’s leave good enough alone” and deal with the day-to-day issues that Cyprus faces. Injuries and deaths from road accidents, driving safety, child safety, animal cruelty, sex trafficking, increasingly violent crimes, rising cost of living beyond means, dropping revenue from tourism…and the list goes on. Solving the issue of a divided Cyprus won’t affect the daily lives of most Cypriots — if the government devoted a fraction of their time resolving these other issues, maybe something progressive would actually take place in Cyprus.

Just a thought…

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