AKEL was represented by Ilias Demetriou, member of the Central Committee of AKEL and Head of the Rapprochement Bureau of AKEL.

The Joint Communique follows in full:

“Leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties participating in the bi-communal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia met on 31 January 2024 at the Ledra Palace Hotel.

The parties welcome the UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy Ms. Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar to Cyprus and convey their best wishes for the fruitful outcome of her mission.

They expressed opinions on the topic proposed by the hosting party – United Cyprus Republican Party (ERKK): “The role of the Transitional Justice in reconciliation in Cyprus”.

The representatives of the political parties expressed their views, comments, and suggestions on the presented issue.

More specifically, they discussed the notion of transitional justice as defined in the UN Secretary-General Report “The rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies”. This report underlines that civil society organizations must all be given a voice in the reconciliation process.

The political parties agreed to emphasize that informed popular consensus for any solution is needed in the reconciliation process in Cyprus. To this end they decided to discuss the issue further, including the possibility for the creation of a Bicommunal Truth and Reconciliation Committee that would explore ways and working methods needed.

The next meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties will be held on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 with Socialist Party of Cyprus (SPC) as hosting party.

Nicosia, 31 January 2024″