The Bicommunal Peace Movement, supported by 71 organisations from both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot Community, has sent the two leaders, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, a message to move forward with the Cyprus talks to deal with the major issues with equal sensitivity to the wishes of both communities and arrive at common arrangements that will facilitate an agreed solution.
“We, people from all communities of Cyprus, that have actively supported your efforts for the Solution of the Cyprus problem from day one, wish, at this critical moment, to address you as the leaders of our country and express our disappointment and deep concern on current developments,” the message reads.
The movement urges Anastasiades and Akinci “to face up to the needs of this historic moment and reconvene the negotiation process in a manner that will allow you to openly deal in good will with the major issues of concern, with equal sensitivity to the wishes of both communities and arrive at common arrangements that will facilitate an agreed solution.”
“You can then proceed to the Conference on Cyprus in a spirit of common understanding that will then have the potential for a positive outcome,” the message continues.
The movement further expresses its confidence that “working together you can go forward.”
“Vesting the future of the island in the hands of other powers will not be productive,” it warns.
At the same time it assures that “we will also be actively present to work for the implementation of the agreement that will reunify our country and ensure that the reunited Cyprus that will emerge will be a peaceful and prosperous island for the generations to come.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third. The two leaders have been engaged in UN-led talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.