Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have issued a joint call for reunification ahead of the upcoming leaders' meeting on Cyprus under the auspices of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York.
“Despite the climate of disillusionment that has followed previous efforts, we remain committed to the struggle for a comprehensive solution,” the statement by the Bicommunal Peace Initiative-United Cyprus said.
“This remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace.”
The joint statement reaffirms a shared commitment to the long-standing vision of a peaceful, reunified Cyprus based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation (BBF) with political equality, the framework already outlined in past negotiation rounds, including the 2017 Crans-Montana talks and the UN Secretary-General’s framework proposal.
Time to move forward
It calls on the leaders of both communities to rise above divisive rhetoric and engage in sincere and constructive dialogue, underlining that now is the time to protect past achievements and move forward - not backward.
Particular emphasis was placed on the urgent need for progress in confidence-building measures (CBMs). While four new crossing points were agreed in Geneva, none have opened to date.
It added that technical committees remain, "to a great extent, inactive." Symbolic gestures such as cemetery restorations and youth initiatives, while welcome, cannot substitute political momentum, the statement said.
Militarisation a threat to peace
The statement also expresses deep concern over growing militarisation on both sides of the island, warning that an arms buildup threatens to erode trust and risks entangling Cyprus in broader regional conflicts, particularly against the backdrop of instability in the Middle East.
“Cyprus must not become a pawn in external conflicts—it must stand as a beacon of peace and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean,” it states.
In unequivocal terms, the appeal rejects any proposals for a two-state solution or confederation, or any attempt to dilute the core principle of political equality. Such proposals, it warns, run counter to the aspirations of Cypriots and endanger the possibility of reunification.
“These undermine the very foundation of a reunified Cyprus and betray the aspirations of its people,” the statement says.
A message of unity, dignity, and hope
In its closing remarks, the appeal turns its focus to the Cypriot public and the international community. It urges all Cypriots to remain united in purpose, to leave behind the violence and division of the past, and to build a future rooted in reconciliation, dignity, and hope.
“Cyprus is too small to remain divided, yet big enough to embrace us all.”
The signatories also call on foreign powers to respect the democratic will of the Cypriot people and to support peace-oriented solutions rather than pursuing narrow geopolitical interests.
“Let us keep hope alive. Let us make this moment count - for our homeland, and for generations to come.”