Dialogue and trust between the two communities in Cyprus and engagement on common activities are key elements for a peace solution to the divided island, it was underlined at an event hosted at the “Home for Cooperation” in Nicosia, titled “Building Trust for a United Cyprus”.

The discussion was organized by the embassies of Finland, Sweden and Norway and was attended by various diplomatic missions in Cyprus, UN and UNFICYP officials, representatives of the religious groups on the island, academics etc.

Inputs from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities were given by Averof Neophytou , leader of Democratic Rally (DHSY) and  Özkan Yorgancioglu, leader of Republican Turkish Party (CTP), who emphasized the necessity of dialogue at all levels.

The Chief of the UN UNFICYP-mission and the Deputy Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Lisa Buttenheim and the Ambassadors of Norway, Sweden and Finland also delivered speeches, pointing out that it is important for the civil society to engage in a dialogue that would facilitate the solution.

In her speech, Buttenheim noted that people in Cyprus need to talk, saying that Cypriots must pursue their common objective for peace and reunification. She expressed her hope that the current effort of UN-backed talks will be the final one, adding that the objective is a lasting settlement.
UN High Official also referred to many joint projects that run between the two communities such as the technical committees for cultural heritage and crime issues that were established in 2008, the Commitee for missing persons etc.

Anu Saarela, Ambassador of Finland said that a central finding has been that there is more willingness to co-operate than expected, but few opportunities for it. She added that focused possibilities for dialogue, interaction between colleagues of the same sectors over the green line and offering physical places for common activities – in a way that everybody feels to be constructive – are concrete steps towards building trust.

Ambassador of Sweden  Klas Gierow said that we all share a feeling of cautious optimism that now, after so long time, a settlement of the Cyprus issue is within reach.  He added that nobody thinks that the solution could be a quick fix adding that we need to see how can the two societies be convinced of the mutual benefits of a solution. He also added that trust is difficult matter and that if trust is established, dialogue becomes easy.

Ambassador of Norway, Sjur Larsen said that his country supports bi-communal activities and projects , through the EEA and Norway Grants, adding that in the current financing period 2009-2014, a total of €7.85 million has been set aside for Cyprus, dedicated to supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen the civil society, facilitate dialogue and bi-communal cooperation , improve services for and protection of victims of domestic violence and improve health diagnostics and capacity.
He went on to say that in an island where there still is a lot of distrust, he is firmly convinced that building trust between youth from both communities is an excellent investment in the future of this island.

Averof Neofytou , leader of Democratic Rally in his speech said that the moment in time has come to talk about the great opportunity laying ahead, to create a win-win situation for everybody, instead of trying to prevail against each other.

He went on to say that in the current state of play, the challenges Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greeks, and Turks face, provide a solid background for all of us, including all of our neighbors in the region and the international community as well, to proceed towards a viable and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue, in a way that all of us can realize the benefits and opportunities stemming from such a development.

Referring to the course of the talks, Neofytou said that  the screening process has revealed significant distance in the positions of the two sides, particularly on vital core issues that will determine the outcome. However, he noted, we need to give this effort time, without though losing the momentum created. He also referred to the necessity for confidence building measures, adding that expressed will is not enough.

Leader of CTP Özkan Yorgancioglu, said that no one should have any doubts that achieving the comprehensive solution which has been evading us for 50 years will be easy; including making it work as well, adding that for this reason, we have to own the settlement process, deny the opportunity to those with malicious claims to determine the narrative and explain the pros and cons of a settlement to our people.

He went on to say that the process that resumed on 11 February will surely have problems and obstacles, referring to “the usual circles that will try to hijack the atmosphere in the island”.
He assured that when that time comes, him and his party will defend settlement, prepare proposals to overcome obstacles and mobilize all their capabilities to solve problems.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu reached on February 11, 2014, an agreement, which led to the resumption of UN- backed peace talks, with a view to reunify the country under a federal roof.