Occupy the Buffer Zone

About 2 months ago a group of Greek and Turkish Cypriots gathered in the UN buffer zone dividing north and south Nicosia and set up a small protest camp, modelled on similar 'Occupy' movements in other cities around the world.  The protest and its related signage and graffiti makes for some interesting reading as you cross the buffer zone. The primary aim of the protest is to raise the profile of the Cyprus issue and to push for more concrete steps towards reunification.  Broader themes around capitalism and anti-globalisation are also present.  As the buffer zone sits between Greek and Turkish checkpoints and is therefore UN territory, any push to conclude the protest or move things on will need to come from the UN.  There seems to be no movement in this regard, so as with the other 'Occupy' protests in cities like London and New York, it will be interesting to see how long things continue with the protest in Cyprus.

I have to confess to being challenged by the protests.  Part of me in my middle age stupor reacts with a view that says these ideals are far removed from reality, and that protesting is a futile exercise, or that the agendas of the protesting groups are so mired with various politics that the impact and focus of any message is blurred.  But another part of me is stirred and inspired whenever people have the conviction to make a stand for something with passion, regardless of whether I agree with the views being put forward.  


I think it was Churchill who said something along the lines of: "when a man is young, if he is not of the left there is something wrong with his heart, but when a man is old, if he is not of the right there is something wrong with his head".  This quote has always challenged me as I ponder the inexorable drift towards conservatism that comes with ageing!


Hope you enjoy being challenged by some of these images.