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.
What's your story?
The Cyprus Community Media Centre's ‘What’s your story?’ campaign involved collecting stories from people across the island who were interested in sharing anecdotes, thoughts, testimonies and memories about themselves and of Cyprus.
"I have confidence in the wisdom and judgement of the people of Cyprus to shape their own future."
Discussion with the Elders on building trust
As part of their visit to Cyprus in December 2009 Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter took part in a discussion on building trust in conflict-affected communities.
Encouraging progress in Cyprus
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.
