Ledra Palace set to host bi-communal festival

By Melina Demetriou

Greek and Turkish Cypriot parties have agreed to organise a festival of mutual understanding between the two communities on September 10.

Political party leaders and representatives met yesterday at Ledra Palace to examine all preparatory meetings and decided the festival on Sunday, September 10, from 5:00 to 8:50 pm at the Ledra Palace.

Organisers are determined to keep politics out of the festival said Social- Democrats (Kisos) member, Koullis Mavronicolas, who attended the meeting yesterday.

“There will be music and dance from both communities and maybe a short speech by the Slovak Ambassador at the beginning. The festival will not be of a political nature,” he said.

Diko’s participation in the Festival is still pending, said Mavronicolas.

“We think that it is crucial for all (Greek Cypriot) parties to make joint decisions on rapprochement so our side does not give the impression of uncertainty and controversy,” he pointed out.

Kisos also say that bi-communal events are essential in promoting the idea of a federal solution for Cyprus.

The meeting of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties, organised by the Slovak Embassy, was held in a positive and cooperative atmosphere,” said a joint statement of the parties, which was read out by Slovak Ambassador to Cyprus, Dusan Rosbora.

According to the statement, the next meeting between parties will take place on October 16.

Leaders and representatives of four Greek Cypriot parties attended yesterday’s meeting. The Democratic Rally, Akel, Kisos and the United Democrats, met with four Turkish Cypriot parties; the Democratic Party, The Republican Turkish Party, the Communal Liberation Party and the Patriotic Unity Movement.

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