Peace in our time lies with the next generation

Sir,

I was shocked, angry and bitterly disappointed over reports of student activities throughout Cyprus on the anniversary of the ‘TRNC’, particularly those scenes depicted at the Ledra Palace crossing in Nicosia.

Blatant nationalism is the food of extremists and this kind of reaction is in no way going to help the current crucial negotiations between the President and the leader of the Turkish Cypriots. Cyprus, thank God, is a democracy and part of the democratic process is freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration.

I have been part of this island for almost 25 years and would defend my adopted country to the hilt. However, I must also acknowledge the shortfalls and mistakes to bring about a balanced view. In my opinion there has been a rotten apple in the bag for some time, with increasing reports of racism coupled with violence.

Might I suggest that our dear Archbishop, instead of meddling in politics and muddying the water, should instruct his priests to start some form of educational project between the church and all schools to bring some meaningful pastoral messages and discussions to the youth of Cyprus? Could I also suggest that at the same time, the Education Minister ensures that a programme of ‘Citizenship’ is mounted in every senior school in Cyprus.

The ongoing political effort from the top is all very well but it is from the grass roots that future trouble could potentially emerge. Let the proposed new history books show the truth, let the mistakes be acknowledged together with the achievements – of which there are many.

What do we want in Cyprus? Do we want a good political settlement, only for it to be scuttled by ignorance of the truth and another embittered Cypriot generation? Is Cyprus going to go through all this effort only to end up yet again with entrenched sectarian views and actions? I pray to God not.

The children and youth of this nation are the future of Cyprus and I sincerely hope for peace and reconciliation in my time.

Geoff Unswoth
Paphos

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.