Famagusta mayors unite for a shared vision of reconciliation

During an event commemorating the International Day of Peace, Simos Ioannou, the mayor of occupied Famagusta, emphasized the urgent need for peace in the region. He stressed that all Cypriots, including Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as well as Maronites, Armenians, and Latins, should be able to coexist in a homeland characterized by peace and friendship.

Speaking at the same event, Turkish Cypriot Famagusta "mayor" Süleyman Uluçay expressed the importance of Cyprus serving as a bridge for cooperation and friendship between Greece and Turkey.

The event, titled "We are together," took place in the walled city of Turkish-occupied Famagusta. Ioannou recounted Cyprus' prolonged yearning for peace and emphasized the importance of ensuring that future generations can live without the burden of doubt and animosity. He shared personal anecdotes from his childhood in Famagusta and the lessons of tolerance and love instilled by his parents.

Uluçay echoed the call for peace and hope for younger generations and urged everyone to set aside anger and resentment. He emphasized that a brighter future is attainable through collective efforts grounded in love, respect, and trust.

Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern territory. Despite multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution to the conflict has remained elusive. The most recent negotiations, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, concluded without a conclusive agreement.