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Download (28Mb) - LSE Theses Online

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In this example, the growth potential in costs cannot seriously be challenged until<br />

refugee status has been removed, either by repatriation or a change in government<br />

and/or public attitudes. As the growth of the permanent refugee population has<br />

grown from 162,000 in 1974 to 209,000 in 1990 39 , it has proved difficult for a<br />

politicai party to seil waiving the right to return. As long as there are refugees and a<br />

refugee lobby, no party could afford tampering with refugee provisions when<br />

définitions of refugee status cover a third of the population. Democratic constraints<br />

are not the only barrier; with no refugees there is less of a Cyprus problem.<br />

Officially described as "displaced persons" (UNHCR) 40 the 40% of the population<br />

made "refugees" by Turkish military intervention, represent the most powerful<br />

argument for the re-unification of the island.<br />

An important element of the 'siege mentality', this time from perceived threats from<br />

within, was alluded to by Peter Loizos 41 . He argues that "institutionalised<br />

generosity" was necessary to prevent mass social unrest. The events of 1974<br />

necessitated a rapid expansion of welfare provision. "Welfare-socialist" policies 42<br />

were drawn up to prevent a recurrence of the conséquences of the Asia Minor<br />

disaster (mass starvation, the rise of the left) from affecting Cyprus where the left,<br />

39 Republic of Cyprus 1994. The Cvprus Diarv 1994. Nicosia: Press and Information Office, p. 14.<br />

40 United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Because Cypriot "refiugees" (in Greek prosfiyon)<br />

remained within the borders of their country of nationality they are consider "displaced<br />

persons"(Geneva Convention and Protocol, 1951 / 1967).<br />

41 Loizos 1981. op. cit., p. 135.<br />

42 zm, p. 136.<br />

33

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