The power of civil society

By Andros Karagiannis *

The recent Report on the Good Services of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Cyprus highlights the importance of involving civil society in the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem and emphasizes the role played by youth and women's organizations. Indeed, several voluntary groups of citizens are involved in the joint activities of local authorities and could, through their involvement, contribute to the improvement of bi-communal relations, if requested.

In his report, G.G. of the UN focuses on promoting the exchange of stories and experiences, noting that such an exchange helps to reduce objections between the two communities. Bi-communal civil society groups have already taken several initiatives to restart the talks, which is welcomed in the Report. The contribution of trade unions and parties in the two communities is also considered important, which, under the auspices of the Slovak Embassy in Cyprus, through a joint statement, urge the two leaders to work hard to resume talks on the basis of the framework proposed by G. Γ. to achieve a federal solution and to reunite the island.

Equally important is the implementation of all Confidence Building Measures through the Technical Committees. However, despite the remarks in the report of the Secretary General, we must admit that the bi-communal activities were limited, despite the efforts made to facilitate contacts and cooperation through civil society for the establishment of peace and reconciliation on the island.

Concluding his report, G.G. urges the parties to support and strengthen the goal of a sustainable solution, focusing on the vitality, energy, strength of the island's population and urging them to become more involved in building trust that will lead to a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.

Based on the remarks of the Secretary General, we understand that ordinary citizens should work together and push the two leaders in the two communities to proceed with the reunification of the island. The Local Authorities could also contribute to this effort, through which several citizens are active, while, due to the proximity and frequent contact and communication with the citizens, it is possible to hear their positions.

Other countries, such as South Africa, Germany and Ireland, have managed to overcome differences, hatred, conflict through mutual understanding, contact, communication, respect and ongoing dialogue. The promotion of MOE as well as the creation of a climate of trust and understanding can respectively help the difficult task of the two leaders to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. Respect for human rights, co-operation for a better future, mutual respect, the contribution to a fair distribution of power by both communities also promote a lasting solution.

Of course, the political situation in Cyprus is considered very critical. It will soon clarify whether the Cyprus problem can be solved or whether it will continue to be maintained indefinitely. What we need is to be exemplified by some other countries that overcame political problems and managed to reunite both their country and their people.

Little Cyprus may not have a Mandela or a Gandhi, but let us consult the South Africans who made it clear to us that "We do not need another Mandela, but let us try to do what he did, that is, reconcile with his enemies».

Reconciliation is certainly not an easy task in Cyprus, given the mistakes of the past, Turkey's intransigence and tough stance, but at least let us try to enter into a dialogue with it. Only with good will and disposition are the differences resolved, no matter how huge they are, taking into account the peculiarities of our own political problem.

* Andros G. Karagiannis, Mayor of Deryneia