The Peace and Reunification Meeting, which took place on Saturday 20th October 2018 with the participation of trade unions, political parties, political figures and social organizations from both communities, after a discussion and collective reflection unanimously reached the following declaration addressed to all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins. The declaration will represent the framework for the development of joint actions and the active contribution and intervention of society, aiming at achieving a positive result in the procedures for the solution of the Cyprus problem underway.
• Peace is a universal good. The struggle of Cypriots for a solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of our common homeland enhances the struggle of the peoples of our region and of the whole world for peace, security, cooperation and social progress.
• For our country’s progressive people, the solution of the Cyprus problem remains an urgent need. No gain can be considered as permanent and stable so long as our homeland remains divided. We are firmly committed to the goal that included in both the High-Level Agreements between the two communities, as well as the UN resolutions for a bicommunal, bizonal federal solution with political equality as interpreted in the UN texts within the framework of a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international personality, a bridge of peace and security for our entire region.
• Intercommunal talks are the only way for an honorable and mutually-acceptable agreement between the two communities, which is why we actively and in practice support the peace procedure for the solution of the Cyprus problem through serious and substantive negotiations. We are working together in both communities to create the best possible preconditions among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in order to achieve the result we have always been struggling for.
• The procedure of the talks was unfortunately interrupted at Crans Montana, with the result that the Cyprus problem has been in a barren and very dangerous stagnation for many months. Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are the ones most affected by the stalemate, given that so long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, it is our country that remains divided.
• The visit and contacts of Mrs. Jane Holl Lute in Cyprus, as the special envoy of the Secretary-General of the UN, the meetings at the UN headquarters and the UN Secretary-General’s recent report to the Security Council marks a last-ditch effort by the international community for a resumption of the negotiation procedure, aiming at the positive outcome and opening of the way for the solution of the Cyprus problem. It is our conviction that this effort must succeed this time for the sake of our common homeland. Otherwise, a possible total collapse of this process too will unquestionably bring partition closer and create very dangerous conditions for the people of Cyprus, for Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
• We consider the role of the leaders of the two communities as particularly important who are the negotiators as well. We have expectations and demands from the leaders. They must rise to the occasion and put the future of our common homeland above everything else. Clarity and steadfastness in the pursuit of the solution of Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation and a responsible creative approach are required so that the six-point framework put forth by the UN Secretary-General at Crans Montana is made use of. A positive and constructive stand on their part in the negotiations is needed, but also measures that prepare the people for the solution and reunification; measures that must highlight the benefits of the solution and remove any arguments of nationalists and traders of fear and insecurity.
