bicommunal peace — A bicommunal peace group has announced plans for parallel demonstrations in north and south Nicosia to coincide with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit to Cyprus, aiming to rekindle efforts for the island’s reunification under a federal settlement.
- As Guterres prepares for his visit, the rallies will serve as a poignant reminder of the aspirations of many Cypriots for a future defined by cooperation and coexistence, rather than division.
Bicommunal peace: Demonstrations Planned for Monday Evening
The Bi-communal Peace Initiative – United Cyprus is set to hold rallies on Monday evening, starting at 6.30pm, the same time Guterres is expected to host a dinner meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.
The gathering in the south will take place at the access road to the UN representative’s office, located opposite the University of Nicosia. In the north, participants will convene at the Kermia (Metehan) roundabout.
Call for Participation from Both Communities
The initiative is urging organisations and individuals from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to join the demonstrations in support of renewed negotiations aimed at establishing a bizonal, bicommunal federation. This, they emphasise, should align with the political equality outlined in various UN Security Council resolutions.
The Bi-communal Peace Initiative has expressed that any new negotiations should build upon the agreements reached during the 2017 Crans-Montana talks and focus on the remaining issues as specified in Guterres’ six-point framework.
Welcoming Guterres with a Joint Message
Earlier on Monday, at 10.30am, a bicommunal delegation representing various organisations supporting the initiative is anticipated to gather at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone. Their aim is to welcome the UN Secretary-General as he crosses into the northern part of Cyprus and to present him with a unified message advocating for peace and cooperation.
Significance of Guterres’ Visit
The initiative described Guterres’ visit as a crucial opportunity to advance the peace process. They also noted, however, that this effort could be fraught with challenges and would require visible support from civil society on both sides of the divide.
Guterres is scheduled to be in Cyprus from July 27 to July 29, marking the first visit by a UN Secretary-General to the island in 16 years. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis indicated that the visit aims to create conditions conducive to an informal expanded conference regarding the Cyprus issue and to bolster efforts to restart negotiations.
Hopes for Progress in Peace Talks
Letymbiotis mentioned that such a meeting could potentially take place before the end of summer, contingent upon Turkey adopting a “more constructive approach” and moving away from its insistence on a two-state solution.
The upcoming demonstrations highlight the ongoing desire for a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue, as well as the commitment of civil society to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the island. The Bi-communal Peace Initiative, through its coordinated efforts, hopes to keep the dialogue for peace alive, encouraging both communities to engage actively in the process.
The Role of Civil Society in Peace Efforts
As the island continues to grapple with divisions that have persisted for decades, the involvement of civil society is seen as vital in pushing for a negotiated settlement. The Bi-communal Peace Initiative reflects a broader movement among Cypriots who are advocating for collaboration and understanding across the divide.
In preparation for the rallies, the initiative is mobilising support through various channels, seeking to inspire a sense of unity among participants. They believe that public demonstrations can serve as a catalyst for renewed discussions and ultimately contribute to a lasting resolution of the Cyprus problem.
A Call to Action
The Bi-communal Peace Initiative is calling on all citizens of Cyprus to join them in this significant moment. By demonstrating the shared desire for peace, they aim to send a clear message to both local leaders and the international community: the path to reunification is not only necessary but achievable.
As Guterres prepares for his visit, the rallies will serve as a poignant reminder of the aspirations of many Cypriots for a future defined by cooperation and coexistence, rather than division.
