A strong message for the reunification of Cyprus into a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality in view of the multilateral conference in Geneva was sent by 108 organisations and institutions from both communities in a common declaration on Saturday, which they handed over to the head of the UNFICYP mission in Cyprus, Colin Stewart.
According to the declaration text, just days before the crucial meeting to be held in Geneva, “Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, regardless of political, ideological and other beliefs, gathered in the buffer zone of Nicosia to send a united message that despite the prevailing climate of disappointment, we continue the struggle for the reunification of our country “.
“We call on both leaders to put an end to negative rhetoric and to rise to the occasion so that dialogue can resume. They must work constructively and sincerely, building on what has been achieved so far at the negotiation table, up to and including the Crans-Montana conference in 2017 and within the framework of the Guterres proposals, so that results can be achieved. We urge them to respect the common will and shared vision of all Cypriots for a reunited and peaceful Cyprus, a homeland for all its children”, it is noted
It is further added that the organisations supporting this mobilisation, “including trade unions, political parties, professional associations, cultural and other social organizations—continue to believe that a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality is the only viable solution that can create the conditions for a peaceful future”.
They add that the ideas of a two-state solution or a confederation “are clearly unacceptable, just as any attempt to renegotiate essential agreed provisions related to political equality, is equally unacceptable”.
“Safeguarding the achievements of the negotiations is a crucial element in ensuring the possibility of an agreed solution,” it is stressed.
At the same time, the organisations express their belief the opening of new crossing points would help foster a positive atmosphere and facilitate the daily movement needs and broader relations between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
They also call on the foreign powers involved to respect “the desire of the Cypriot people as a whole to once again live peacefully in a reunited homeland and to contribute to arrangements that serve the genuine interests of the Cypriot people, for the benefit of peace and stability throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“We, the undersigned, call on all Cypriots to remain united in the common goal, and at this critical juncture of the Cyprus problem, to ensure that the voice of reason, reunification, peace and hope is heard loud and clear. Let us keep hope alive and declare our determination to build a peaceful future for the generations to come”, the declaration concludes.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced an expanded meeting, in Geneva, on March 17 and 18, to exchange views with the Cyprus President and the Turkish Cypriot leader on ways of achieving progress on the Cyprus issue, following their informal dinner on October 15, 2024, in New York. Representatives from Greece, Turkey and the UK are also expected to attend the meeting.
Also read: Informal Meeting on Cyprus in a broader format begins in Geneva
Source: CNA
