Youth groups declare ‘Cyprus Day of Peace’

By Alexia Saoulli

SEPTEMBER 30 is being declared ‘Cyprus Day of Peace’ today at a bicommunal ceremony in Pergamos, within the British Base of Dhekelia.

Bicommunal youth groups are hosting a festival in the village, aimed at promoting peace, democracy and justice in Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots from both sides of the Green Line will meet at 2pm, in a park just outside Pergamos. The aim of the event is to bring together Turkish and Greek Cypriots, some of who have not seen each other since the 1974 invasion.

All month members of the bicommunal youth groups have been visiting towns and villages on the island in an effort to bring old friends and fellow villagers together.

They have also used the Internet as a bridge of communication between people of both communities in an effort to ensure the success of today’s festival.

Today the park will be signposted with the names of different districts. Each signpost will then act as a meeting point for the people who used to live in villages within those districts.

A cultural programme with the bicommunal choir, Cypriot singer Hadji Mike and various music and dance ensembles from both communities will follow the ‘Cyprus Day of Peace’ ceremony at 3pm.

 

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