Cypriot trade unions announce joint activities

Greek Cypriot trade union SIDIKEK-PEO and Turkish Cypriot BES announced today a joint activities programme for 2009.

According to SIDIKEK-PEO General Secretary Antonis Neofytou, the programme includes meetings between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women, on March 8, World Woman's Day, joint participation in May 1 celebrations and teaching the Greek and the Turkish language to Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots respectively. On May 20 a workshop on the active participation of women in public affairs will take place.

The two unions are also planning a visit to Brussels for meetings with the leadership of the ESPU, as well as a scheduled conference of the Unions SIDIKEK-PEO, BES with Greek POE/OTA and Turkish DISK/GENEL-IS in Turkey.

Neofytou said that the two unions' relations never faced any problem, adding that ''what is left is the bitterness of division'' of Cyprus.

''We invest in the future, in tolerance, understanding and respect of the different culture, religion and language. In peaceful coexistence in the values of cooperation and friendship,'' he added.

In his remarks, Birtan Aktolgann, President of BES, referred to the close ties between the two trade unions, noting that the common struggle aims at securing the democratic rights of the working people.

He added that the two trade unions will continue the struggle for a solution of the Cyprus problem. ''Together in every opportunity we will continue to declare our will for a solution and peace and will continue to hold joint gatherings,'' he concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.