Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church on the island, Archbishop Chrysostomos B’ appealed to the representatives of the religious communities which participated in the International Meeting for Peace “The Civilisation of Peace: Faiths and Cultures in Dialogue”, to exert their influence towards their countries so that justice prevails in Cyprus.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the meeting, the Archbishop said that “as we conclude this meeting, we realize our responsibility to safeguard peace on earth and for justice and freedom to prevail for all peoples”.
He said “this struggle unites all people for a common purpose. It was this purpose that united all during these three days, Christians, Moslems, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, peoples of all religions”.
Archbishop Chrysostomos said “we might not believe in the same God. However, our meeting did not undermine anyone’s faith”.
We have the same sensitivities for the greater problems of humanity”, the Primate of the church added.
The introduction of the peoples should end to understanding and respect of the rights of all peoples and securing true peace”, he said, adding that it is for this reason “we here in Cyprus feel the injustice of the violation of our human rights. In the 21st century, when Europe unites, Nicosia is in half by a dividing wall and we have no right to return to our homes and properties where we have been expelled with the use of force”.
He said that as colonization is considered a war crime throughout the world, Turkey continues unhindered with the barbaric colonization of our land. At the same time, more than 500 churches, fortresses and theatres which signify our presence in Cyprus for 35 centuries now, are systematically destroyed”.
The Archbishop wondered how can there be peace under such circumstances and called on the delegates “to exert their influence wherever possible, to your governments, international decision making bodies, for justice and peace to prevail in Cyprus”.
Before the meeting wrapped up, the religious groups prayed in various locations of the old part of Nicosia for peace to prevail throughout the world. They also marched to the Square in front of the Archbishopric where the closing ceremony took place.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
More than 500 churches in occupied Cyprus need to be restored urgently, most of them have been destroyed and pillaged by the Turkish occupation army.
