**Peace Initiative Plans Bicommunal Rallies During Guterres Visit**
In a show of solidarity for peace and reunification, a bicommunal peace group has announced plans for parallel demonstrations in both the northern and southern parts of Nicosia on Monday, coinciding with the visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus. The Bi-communal Peace Initiative – United Cyprus is organizing the rallies under the slogan “Federal Solution Now,” urging renewed efforts to reunify the island through a federal settlement.
The demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, the same time Guterres is set to host a dinner meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. The gathering in the south will take place at the access road leading to the UN representative’s office, located opposite the University of Nicosia. Meanwhile, the parallel event in the north will occur at the Kermia (Metehan) roundabout.
The Bi-communal Peace Initiative is calling upon organizations and individuals from both communities to participate in the rallies, emphasizing the importance of civil society's involvement in efforts to resume negotiations aimed at achieving a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as outlined in various UN Security Council resolutions.
In their statement, the initiative highlighted the need for any renewed talks to build upon the convergences reached during the 2017 Crans-Montana negotiations and to focus on the remaining issues presented in Guterres’ six-point framework. The group views Guterres’ visit as a critical opportunity to advance the peace process, while also cautioning that the endeavor carries risks and necessitates visible support from both communities.
Earlier in the day, at 10:30 AM, a bicommunal delegation representing various organizations supporting the initiative is expected to gather at the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone. This group aims to welcome Guterres as he crosses into the north and to present him with a joint message advocating for peace and reunification.
Guterres’ visit marks the first time in 16 years that a UN secretary-general has traveled to Cyprus. According to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the visit is intended to help create conditions for an informal expanded conference on the Cyprus problem and to support efforts to restart negotiations. Letymbiotis expressed hope that such a meeting could occur before the end of summer, contingent on Turkey adopting a “more constructive approach” and moving away from its insistence on a two-state solution.
The upcoming demonstrations and Guterres’ visit reflect ongoing efforts to address the longstanding division of Cyprus, which has been a point of contention since the island was split in 1974 following a Turkish invasion triggered by a Greek-led coup. The UN has been involved in peacekeeping and mediation efforts since that time, with various negotiations taking place over the years in an attempt to resolve the conflict.
As the bicommunal rallies approach, the call for a federal solution resonates with many who advocate for a peaceful resolution to the island’s division. The participation of both communities in the demonstrations underscores the desire for unity and a shared future, as citizens from both sides come together to voice their support for a negotiated settlement.
The events planned for Monday are expected to draw attention to the ongoing peace process and the crucial role of civil society in fostering dialogue and understanding between the two communities. As Guterres engages with Cypriot leaders, the hope remains that renewed discussions will pave the way for a comprehensive resolution to the Cyprus issue, ultimately leading to a reunited island.