Cyprus
Cyprus has been a divided island for over three decades. The leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities began direct talks to reunify the island in September 2008. Many consider these talks to be the best opportunity to reach a lasting settlement in years.
The Elders are not involved directly in these peace talks. Rather, they are helping to promote an environment for the successful completion of the talks. The Elders are also offering their support to individuals and organisations on the island who seek to build greater trust and dialogue between the two communities.
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter visited Cyprus in December 2009, The Elders' third visit to the island. They met with the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, as well as hosting a discussion on trust-building with members of civil society, business, unions, media, youth and women’s groups.
Lakhdar Brahimi and Gro Brundtland visited Cyprus in September 2009. Prior to travelling to the island, they also visited Ankara and Athens to encourage support for the Cypriot peace process from these important neighbours.
In September 2008 a delegation of Elders, also led by Desmond Tutu, made their first visit to Cyprus, where they met Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, political party leaders and representatives from both communities.
More information on The Elders' visits:
September 2009: The Elders' trip report
October 2008: The Elders' trip report
