Yesterday evening at 7:30 pm, an event organised by Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot unions, along with the Bi-Communal Peace Initiative – United Cyprus, took place in front of the Home of Cooperation, Yeniduzen reported. The gathering featured banners with slogans such as “Peace and solution in Cyprus” and “No to war, yes to peace,” and attendees chanted “Peace in Cyprus cannot be stopped.” There was also a joint statement read and some cultural activities.
A Call to Leaders
The joint statement urged Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders to reaffirm their commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue through a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as specified by UN resolutions.
The statement pointed out that global tensions and conflicts are driving humanity towards an arms race, raising the risk of a major and unpredictable imperialist war. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to have severe impacts on both sides.
It also criticised the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, noting that with support from the US and NATO allies, Israel continues to carry out brutal acts that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians, primarily women and children. The blockade imposed by Israel has cut off Palestinians from essential supplies like medicine, water, food, and electricity, worsening their situation.
The statement called for an end to Israel’s attacks on Palestinians, the release of hostages, and the removal of barriers to delivering crucial humanitarian aid. Turkish and Greek Cypriot workers condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians and voiced their support for a Palestinian state, in line with UN resolutions, to promote peace and security in the region. They also highlighted the rising tensions and the threat of a broader conflict in the Middle East, which could have dire consequences for the people there.
The statement also expressed opposition to the involvement of imperialist powers in any potential conflicts in Cyprus, stressing that the risks of international instability make it essential to participate in the peace process.
“The Cyprus Issue Must Be Solved”
The statement called for redirecting funds from military spending to education, healthcare, and social services. It emphasised that the collective effort of Cypriot workers to resolve the Cyprus issue and reunify the island is part of a global quest for peace. The organisations expressed serious concern about the ongoing stalemate and lack of dialogue in negotiations, especially as the island’s division becomes more entrenched.
Leaders from both Cypriot communities were urged to reaffirm their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as outlined in UN resolutions. Negotiations should promptly resume from where they left off in Crans-Montana (2017), based on the framework provided by the UN Secretary-General and the progress made so far, and continue until a resolution is reached.
