Bi-communal Peace Initiative United Cyprus:intervention at Ledra street checkpoint on Monday at 18.00 and on Tuesday at 17.00

January 2010 has been set as the month of intensive negotiations. The negotiation process is gradually coming into a crucial phase. It has been the expectation that by now the process would have been at a more advanced stage but given the state of affairs it is now time for the Civil Movement on both sides of the divide to rally in support of an intensive effort to push the process forward. The unfavourable political climate cultivated by the forces that are opposing the solution on both sides appear to be more vociferous. This situation,that tends to obscure the benefits of a solution and cultivates fear,makes the joint action of the pro-solution forces imperative. The Bi-Communal Peace Initiative “United Cyprus” has brought together active citizens,Trade Unions,parties and other civil groups that have joined forces to further strengthen the pro-solution Inter-communal movement.

In so doing the Bi-Communal Movement wishes to underline the following issues that need immediate consideration for the process to develop smoothly:

1.We are working for and supporting all efforts:For the creation of enduring peace and stability in Cyprus and our region and For the creation of the bi-zonal,bi-communal United Federal Cyprus with a single international identity,single citizenship and single sovereignty,based on the political equality of the two communities,as defined in the relevant UN resolutions and the agreements of the two community leaders.

2.The continued failure in the attempts to resolve the Cyprus problem has driven the property and the population problems beyond the realm of international law. These two problems are increasingly affecting and hampering the efforts to finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. For this reason,urgent steps must be taken about the population and property issues so as to prevent them from hindering or impeding the solution.

3.Both communities must be continually informed about the ongoing negotiations.

4.A lasting solution and peace on our island will only be realized by the joining together of the communities,and through their collaboration in social,cultural,economic and political life.

5.Our priority must be to fight the separatist,fascist and racist forces that have been instrumental in the division of our island as well as in the rise of chauvinism and enmity. Within the framework of the principles listed above,we assert that the establishment of the United Federal Cyprus is in the best interest of every Cypriot and every person living on the island,and we emphasize our determination to jointly organize as soon as possible and take every action that will help create a United Federal Cyprus.

The bi-communal Peace Initiative United Cyprus decided in its last general assembly that it will stage two events during the 2nd round of the intensive negotiations of the two leaders. These bi-communal political gatherings at the Ledra Street checkpoint intend to demonstrate our support to the current peace process and demand the positive conclusion of the negotiations with the achievement of a compromise agreement. The choice of the Ledra Street checkpoint is not accidental. It is the only checkpoint that opened as a result of bi-communal mobilisations and it is in the heart of our divided capital. Let us make it the central public space of the peace forces in our struggle for reunification.

CYPRUS ON THE ROAD TO SOLUTION

1. Monday 25th January,2010 from 6:00pm onwards –Ledra Street Crossing On the Road for Solution –Music and informal discussion

2. Tuesday 26th January,2010 5:00pm Music At 6:30pm Panel Discussion at the Municipality House Ledra str. crossing We talk about the potential of a solution and the push that the joint efforts Of Greek and Turkish Cypriots can give to the process.

PS It will be a good opportunity for the g/c and the potential t/c contributors to epanenosi.com to meet each other.