Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

The Elders delegation formed by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi has finalized its historic visit in Cyprus.

The 3 cornerstones who gained their rightful reputable positions within the international community with their peaceful efforts were on the island to express their full support for reaching a political settlement in Cyprus on a federal basis.

The three member delegation held a press conference at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN-controlled buffer zone this afternoon to evaluate their Cyprus contacts.

Speaking first, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said they consider the present moment on the island to be a propitious moment for a solution, adding that he was excited by seeing the fact that there are two courageous leaders working for a settlement.

He said the leaders in Cyprus should catch and use the present opportunity for providing a solution to the Cyprus problem.
If they do so, “history will judge them graciously” he added.

Explaining that he was in favor of a solution in Cyprus which was a solution ‘by’ and ‘for’ the people of Cyprus, the Archbishop stated that they arrived in Cyprus to encourage the leaders in this new peace process.

Referring to his peaceful and successful struggle he waged in South Africa towards ending apartheid and oppression, and bringing democracy, Tutu said success came not because people grieved for everything in the past and got everything they wanted, but because leaders were prepared to make concessions and not to say ‘all or nothing’.

Stating that failure at the talks should not be an option, he expressed the hope that the two leaders in Cyprus will not disappoint them by failing to reach peace in such a world having a great deal of good.

Tutu wished to come to Cyprus soon again, this time to celebrate the Cyprus ‘with no barries’ and said ‘I would be very surprised if this island does not emerge in a federal composition and become a part of the common world of virtues’.

Speaking next, former US President Jimmy Carter pointed to the fact that a lot could be done to break down the barriers between the two sides, stressing that the world wants to see peace and harmony in a united Cyprus where human rights are also respected.

Making reference to his time’s successful negotiations, Mr. Carter said making concessions was much less important than peace.

Answering the questions of the BayrakTelevision correspondent, Mr Carter said it would be unlikely for them to get directly involved in the solution process in case the talks resulted in failure, as this would depend on the demand and call of both sides.

Asked whether the Israeli-Egyptian conflict or the Cyprus conflict was more difficult to resolve, Carter, who had his role in the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, stated that the Cyprus conflict was definitely not more difficult to resolve.

Finally speaking, Lakhdar Brahimi said, during his Cyprus contacts, he observed that both leaders are determined to do their best for a settlement but noted that they cannot do it alone, and they need the support of the rest of the world.

“We are inspired by what we have heard here. We hope to come back in a near future to celebrate the peaceful settlement” Brahimi added.

[EPSILON]

The Elders delegation formed by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi has finalized its historic visit in Cyprus.

The 3 cornerstones who gained their rightful reputable positions within the international community with their peaceful efforts were on the island to express their full support for reaching a political settlement in Cyprus on a federal basis.

The three member delegation held a press conference at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN-controlled buffer zone this afternoon to evaluate their Cyprus contacts.

Speaking first, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said they consider the present moment on the island to be a propitious moment for a solution, adding that he was excited by seeing the fact that there are two courageous leaders working for a settlement.

He said the leaders in Cyprus should catch and use the present opportunity for providing a solution to the Cyprus problem.
If they do so, “history will judge them graciously” he added.

Explaining that he was in favor of a solution in Cyprus which was a solution ‘by’ and ‘for’ the people of Cyprus, the Archbishop stated that they arrived in Cyprus to encourage the leaders in this new peace process.

Referring to his peaceful and successful struggle he waged in South Africa towards ending apartheid and oppression, and bringing democracy, Tutu said success came not because people grieved for everything in the past and got everything they wanted, but because leaders were prepared to make concessions and not to say ‘all or nothing’.

Stating that failure at the talks should not be an option, he expressed the hope that the two leaders in Cyprus will not disappoint them by failing to reach peace in such a world having a great deal of good.

Tutu wished to come to Cyprus soon again, this time to celebrate the Cyprus ‘with no barries’ and said ‘I would be very surprised if this island does not emerge in a federal composition and become a part of the common world of virtues’.

Speaking next, former US President Jimmy Carter pointed to the fact that a lot could be done to break down the barriers between the two sides, stressing that the world wants to see peace and harmony in a united Cyprus where human rights are also respected.

Making reference to his time’s successful negotiations, Mr. Carter said making concessions was much less important than peace.

Answering the questions of the BayrakTelevision correspondent, Mr Carter said it would be unlikely for them to get directly involved in the solution process in case the talks resulted in failure, as this would depend on the demand and call of both sides.

Asked whether the Israeli-Egyptian conflict or the Cyprus conflict was more difficult to resolve, Carter, who had his role in the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, stated that the Cyprus conflict was definitely not more difficult to resolve.

Finally speaking, Lakhdar Brahimi said, during his Cyprus contacts, he observed that both leaders are determined to do their best for a settlement but noted that they cannot do it alone, and they need the support of the rest of the world.

“We are inspired by what we have heard here. We hope to come back in a near future to celebrate the peaceful settlement” Brahimi added.

Well!!!this is a surprise. A post of Halil without refers to "The President Talat" or i missed it?