Bi-Communal Peace Initiative sets out to open new gateways for peace
Activists from both the Turkish and Greek communities gathered in front of the Solidarity House, opposite the UN-controlled Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia, for the Bi-Communal Peace Initiative. Their demands were for the unification of the island, increased economic, social, and cultural relationships and “opening new doors.” Turkish Cypriot organizations marched from the Lokmacı gate to the House of Solidarity with a banner that read “We Are Opening New Roads, We Are Uniting Cyprus,” while Greek organizations supporting the action also marched to the House of Solidarity with the same banner. Press statements were made in Turkish and Greek in front of the Solidarity House, with Ahmet Derya, speaking in Turkish on behalf of Bi-Communal Peace Initiative, emphasizing the importance of crossing points in Cyprus and how new crossing points should be opened for pedestrians and vehicles in Nicosia, Luricina, Erenköy regions, and other areas. More than 110 organizations signed a joint statement to show support for this action’s demand, which indicated how important it is for both sides. The activists believe that the Cyprus problem solution is possible through reunification within the framework of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation based on political equality, and emphasized that contact, joint struggle, and activity are critical. UN Special Representative for Cyprus Colin Stewart expressed his support for the event, and the letter prepared on behalf of the Bi-Communal Peace Initiative was delivered to the UN representative who came to the event.
