Supporting Peace in Cyprus
One thing is clear - peace processes and governance should not be left only to men.
UN Security Council Resolution 1325 urges states to ensure increased representation of women in conflict resolution and peace processes. It is a resolution that my fellow Elders and I wholeheartedly support. More »
Being in a room with 30 empowered women who have worked and continue working for peace-building in Cyprus was so inspiring for me. The time was so little to accommodate all these comments about what we can do as women to support the leaders in their attempt to find a solution. More »
The Elders met the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and were encouraged by their positive reports of progress at the start of the second phase of peace negotiations. At a press conference at the end of their visit, the Elders also urged the Cypriot media on both sides to play a responsible role in reporting the progress of the talks and in covering efforts to improve cooperation between the two communities.
Cyprus peace process going well, but facing challenges
The Elders have concluded a four day visit to Ankara, Athens and Cyprus where they found strong willingness and desire to solve the Cyprus problem by officials in all locations.
The Elders held meetings in the UN buffer zone in Nicosia – the only place that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can easily meet. Speaking to local media they wished every success to the leaders of the two communities as they resumed negotiations after the summer break. They also called for a greater role for women in the peace process in Cyprus.
It’s often easy to get discouraged about the prospects for a settlement in Cyprus. Messages and reminders of conflict and division permeate our landscape and our language, discouraging and even drowning out voices that offer a more supportive and inspiring vision for the future. More »
Gro Brundtland and Lakhdar Brahimi arrived in Cyprus at a critical time, just as the second phase of negotiations on reunification of the island began. The Elders met leading women from politics, business and civil society, encouraging them to press for a more active role for women in the peace process. More »
Before travelling to Cyprus, the Elders visited Ankara and Athens to better understand the views of the island’s most important neighbours. More »