The Elders

Independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.

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.

All Articles tagged:

reconciliation

Guest blog Michael Panayi, 15 February 2011

Crossing borders with friendship

17-year old Michael is a member of the Cypriot Friendship Programme, which brings together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot teenagers to promote coexistence between their two communities. Here he blogs about the challenges he faces from people who don't think peace is possible - as well as his experience meeting the Elders and featuring in their documentary, “Cyprus: Digging the Past in Search of the Future”.

Elders blog Desmond Tutu, 07 February 2011

Forgiving, not forgetting

During the filming of their documentary on the search for missing persons in Cyprus, Desmond Tutu exchanged his views on remembrance and reconciliation with his fellow Elders and the young Cypriots travelling with them. For Archbishop Tutu, forgiving the transgressions of those you once considered the enemy is to bring peace inside your own heart.

Press release 31 March 2010

The Elders: "The momentum for reunification of Cyprus must be sustained and agreement reached by the end of the year"

Following a joint statement by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, The Elders encourage both sides to build on areas of agreement and sustain momentum towards the reunification of Cyprus.

News Christiana Voniati , 05 January 2010

Interview: Desmond Tutu on Cyprus

While in Cyprus, Desmond Tutu spoke to Christiana Voniati from POLITIS newspaper. During the interview, he tells her about his reasons for visiting Cyprus, the importance of dealing with the past when resolving conflicts, and what, if any, place there is for a truth and reconciliation process on the island.

Press release 10 December 2009

Elders discuss trust and truth-seeking in Cyprus

Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter report that talks on reunifying Cyprus are making slow but steady progress. Following a public meeting on trust and truth-seeking in divided societies, the Elders encouraged Cypriots from both communities to work towards a shared future.

Elders blog Desmond Tutu, 08 December 2009

Delighted to be back

Ahead of his return to Cyprus, Desmond Tutu blogs about achieving peace and reconciliation through honest dialogue.

Press release 03 December 2009

Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter return to Cyprus

The Elders will make their third visit to Cyprus to meet political leaders, civil society groups and groups working towards the reunification of the island.

News Desmond Tutu, 07 September 2009

Supporting a solution in Cyprus

Shortly before returning to Cyprus with his fellow Elders Lakhdar Brahimi and Gro Brundtland, Desmond Tutu argues in Havadis that both sides must take advantage of the opportunity for peace and unity before it is lost.

News Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Lakhdar Brahimi, 07 May 2009

Cyprus's last and best chance

Following the results of the parliamentary elections in northern Cyprus, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi argue that time is running out on the best chance in thirty years for a settlement on the island. This article first appeared in Today's Zaman, The Cyprus Mail and The Guatemala Times.

Press release 20 October 2008

Report: The Elders’ visit to Cyprus 2008

Lakhdar Brahimi, Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu report their findings after visiting Cyprus, where Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have recently begun direct, open-ended negotiations to try to reunify the divided island.