Bicommunal Cyprus Dialogue Forum was promoted

The Cyprus Dialogue Forum was promoted with a press meeting held in the buffer zone yesterday.

Negotiation delegations under the presidency of Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ergün Olgun and Greek Cypriot negotiator Andreas Mavroyannis, representatives of political parties, unions and non-governmental organizations and businessmen attended the press meeting.

In the joint declaration, it was stated:

“The Cyprus Dialogue Forum is created as a response to a need for an inclusive and permanent space for structured dialogue and knowledge- sharing in which issues and challenges of common concern can be addressed. Through joint reflection and consensus building we believe this dialogue will address issues related to the Cyprus problem, by focusing and strengthening the flow of information between the wider society and the leaderships.

Since April 2014 we have been working relentlessly to put together a Single-Text document, representing the statute of the Forum in order to guide us in our future efforts. The document you hold in front of you has been carefully designed by all participating organizations in a series of over 70 meetings through a sincere process of consensus. During this time, the process has been supported by UNDP-ACT, who has played a supporting secretariat role.

As the Forum we aim:

– To act as a platform to understand and discuss perspectives across the multiple segments of Cypriot society on political, socio-economic, cultural and educational issues. – To create public awareness, acknowledge and incorporate the inputs of the wider public and help to prepare both communities for a solution.  – To create a space for citizens to raise and address issues that are not included in the negotiation process.

We commit ourselves:

– To create common understandings and shared visions of the future.  – To embrace multi-perspectives and build a culture of co-existence based on shared values and solidarity.

Our role is to support the negotiations and all efforts to reach a mutually agreed federal solution, by acting as an inclusive participatory platform for dialogue. Through providing support and assistance, shared knowledge resources and common safe spaces, we aim to strengthen the culture of dialogue and reach common understandings on various issues and interests among Cyprus’ political, economic and social stakeholders.

The legitimacy of the Forum derives from its inclusivity and transparency. Therefore, as an open platform of cooperation and discussion between political, economic and social organizations in both communities, we call upon other organizations to join our efforts.”