“HERE IN Cyprus, the people are an untapped resource for solving the island’s problems yet their willingness to engage and move forward, if allowed, cannot be questioned.”

Those were the words of the UN Secretary-general’s special representative to Cyprus on the occasion of the International Day of Peace yesterday.

Michael Moeller went on to say that, “gathered as we are in this special crossing place in Nicosia that links the island’s two communities, we join millions of people of good will around the world to proclaim our belief that this is a day best celebrated through observation of a global ceasefire.”

He added: “Whether veterans of the Second World War or veterans of this island’s conflict and division, many of you here are familiar with the respite and relief associated with a ceasefire.

“Your first-hand experience offers a potent message to the younger generations standing alongside you here today.”

Representatives from Japan of the World Peace Prayer Society were in attendance and they presented the United Nations with a peace pole.

Moeller also said that 34 years ago, “this buffer zone we stand within became a fact of island life”.

“The reassurance it offered the distraught and displaced victims of conflict was not intended to become a multi-generational comfort zone. Nor was it intended to be a barrier to progress, inuring people against the responsibility and need for dialogue and contact in the ongoing search for a lasting and comprehensive settlement.”

He saluted the peace vigil candle and called for a rekindling of commitment to the reunification of the island.

“In the last two years, more than 12,000 Cypriots from all communities have been involved in a range of citizen-driven, peace building and reconciliation activities supported by UNDP-ACT. They know that lasting peace in Cyprus can only come through regular and sustained people to people contacts.”

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the UN General Assembly to coincide with its opening session every September.

Twenty years later, the General Assembly fixed observance of the day on September 21 as a day of non-violence, ceasefire and, “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”

On this day, offices worldwide observe a minute of silence at midday, while various volunteer groups express their support for the United Nations through community work, prayer, meditation, environmental activities and simply by commemorating and promoting the day.

Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon delivered a message to mark the occasion, stating that, “peace is one of humanity’s most precious need and is also the UN’s highest calling”.

He added that work for peace is vital but that it is not easy.

“Indeed, in countless communities across the world, peace remains an elusive goal. September 21 is meant to offer a 24-hour respite from the fear and insecurity that plague so many places and I urge all countries and combatants to honour this cessation of hostilities.

“As the guns fall silent, we should use this opportunity to ponder the price we all pay due to conflict and we should resolve to vigorously pursue ways to make permanent, this day’s pause.”
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