Cyprus
In response to over three decades of conflict and division between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, The Elders are supporting local initiatives working for reconciliation and peace at the grassroots level.

In response to over three decades of conflict and division between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, The Elders are supporting local initiatives working for reconciliation and peace at the grassroots level.
The Elders met the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and were encouraged by their positive reports of progress at the start of the second phase of peace negotiations. At a press conference at the end of their visit, the Elders also urged the Cypriot media on both sides to play a responsible role in reporting the progress of the talks and in covering efforts to improve cooperation between the two communities.
During their September 2009 trip to Cyprus, Elders Lakhdar Brahimi and Gro Brundtland visited Ankara and Athens to better understand the views of the island’s most important neighbours.
Three members of The Elders visited Cyprus to lend their support to the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and to commend Mr Demetris Christofias and Mr Mehmet Ali Talat for their efforts to reunify the island. The Elders urge the international community to embrace the fact that a lasting settlement is within reach, and to actively support the leaders and the peace process.