Cyprus must embrace unity to find peace, says UN official

"If we hope for a settlement to the Cyprus issue, Cypriots must learn to live together on the island again," says UN Official Colin Stewart.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General stressed the importance of unity among Cypriots as key to solving the ongoing Cyprus issue. Speaking at the 5th Cyprus Forum in Nicosia on Thursday, he said that people on the island need to embrace living together if there’s any hope for a lasting agreement.

His comments come as Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders prepare to meet informally later this month in New York with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Stewart called this meeting an important step toward starting conversations after a long period of stalled negotiations.

For more than 60 years, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has worked to keep the peace on the island. Stewart noted that 150,000 troops and police from 44 different countries have been part of this effort, with 187 peacekeepers losing their lives while working to maintain safety. Thanks to these efforts, Cypriots have enjoyed a sense of security from daily violence for the past 50 years.

Stewart pointed out that the world is facing serious challenges, such as climate change, wars, and rising inequalities. He highlighted that Cyprus is particularly at risk from climate change, with reports showing that more than half of the island is facing the threat of desertification.

Despite these global problems, Stewart highlighted the importance of countries coming together. He mentioned that 193 nations managed to agree at a recent UN summit, showing that dialogue is possible even amidst divisions.

Stewart warned that time was running out for Cypriots to resolve their differences. “The stakes are high because time is running out,” he said, urging both communities to take advantage of this opportunity for dialogue. He stressed that future chances for peace might not come easily.

The UN remains dedicated to promoting cooperation between the two communities, focusing on economic ties and collaboration. Stewart mentioned that 12 technical committees are working together to tackle shared issues, such as environmental concerns and cultural heritage.

He encouraged Cypriots to listen to one another’s stories, saying, “When you listen, truly listen, to each other’s stories, the first thing you recognize is that everyone suffered.” Understanding each other’s experiences is essential for building bridges toward reconciliation.

As the Cyprus issue continues to be a topic of discussion within the UN, Stewart called for unity among Cypriots, urging them to find common ground. “Let this be the year that we reveal the hidden common ground and agree on the way forward for Cyprus,” he concluded.

[With info from CNA]