Supporting Peace in Cyprus
Never in my career have I felt that a situation is hopeless or that change is impossible – despite what other people may have told me. More »
While in Cyprus Desmond Tutu was interviewed by Christiana Voniati for Cyprus' POLITIS newspaper. She asked him about his reasons for visiting Cyprus, the importance of dealing with the past when resolving conflicts, and what, if any, place there was for a truth and reconciliation process on the island. The article was published in December 2009 More »
While I was in Cyprus many people asked me “Why have the Elders come here three times?” “Why do you think we can achieve peace now when we haven't done before?"
My answer is this: I think the situation now is very different from what I have known in the past, and represents possibly the best opportunity we have seen for a solution. More »
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter visited Cyprus from 8-10 December 2009. During their visit the three Elders met with the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. They also held a public meeting to discuss issues of trust and truth-seeking in divided societies. More »
Cyprus currently faces its best chance to achieve reunification after decades of conflict and division between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The Elders are actively encouraging efforts to build peace on the island, and have made three visits to Cyprus. They share their thoughts in this blog, along with photos and videos, and contributions from some of those they have met who are also working for peace.
The Elders: "The momentum for reunification of Cyprus must be sustained and agreement reached by the end of the year"
The Elders welcome the joint statement made by Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday. They call on the people of Cyprus, their leaders and the international community to sustain the momentum for reunification and aim to reach agreement by the end of the year.
Elders discuss trust and truth-seeking in Cyprus
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter have concluded their visit to Cyprus, observing that talks on an agreement to reunify the island are making slow but steady progress. During their stay on the island the Elders met the leaders of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and also held a public meeting to discuss issues of trust and truth-seeking in divided societies.
How sorry I was that I could not visit Cyprus with my fellow Elders, Gro Brundtland and Lakhdar Brahimi, in September. I suffered a back injury that kept me bedridden in South Africa; if only I were as young in body as I feel in spirit! My family are always telling me to slow down, but somehow I never quite manage it.
So it is a joy to be coming back to Cyprus, a place that really made an impression on me when I visited a year ago, just as your two leaders were beginning negotiations to reunite this beautiful island. More »
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter return to Cyprus
Three members of The Elders will visit Cyprus on 8-10 December 2009 to offer their support and encouragement to all those working for the reunification of the island.
