Member of the Swedish Mediation Network recognizes the RTCYPP and expresses appreciation to the historic joint statement of the religious leaders of Cyprus condemning violence against women and girls.
On March 8, 2018 Margareta Wahlström, an eminent member of Swedish Women’s Mediation Network met with H.B Archbishop Chrysostomos II and H.E Mufti Talip Atalay during her two day visit to Cyprus, on the occasion of International Women’s Day and had the opportunity to learn more about the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, a unique initiative in Cyprus, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.
Ms. Wahlström acknowledged the religious leaders for their cooperation, courage and constructive joint contribution to the peace process in Cyprus. She congratulated all the religious leaders of Cyprus, including the Armenian Orthodox, Maronite and Latin Catholic Churches for their uninterrupted dialogue for reconciliation since 2011 and their unprecedented joint peacebuilding efforts, upholding religious freedom. Ms Wahlström expressed special appreciation to the religious leaders for their recommitment and reaffirmation of their historic joint statement condemning violence against women and girls.
Anna Olsson Vrang, Ambassador of Sweden and Salpy Eskidjian Weiderud, Director for the Office of RTCYPP accompanied Ms. Wahlström who also had the opportunity to briefly witness the status of a few Christian and Muslim monuments on the agenda of the RTCYPP. Ms. Wahlström was in Cyprus as a prominent guest of the Swedish Embassy in Cyprus and keynote speaker at the Embassy’s main event, marking 2018 International Women’s Day in Cyprus.
Margareta Wahlström is the President of the Swedish Red Cross Society and former United Nations Special Representative for the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Margot Wallström initiated the Swedish Women’s Mediation Network in 2015 in response to the increasing challenges against peace and security worldwide. The aim of the network is to promote peaceful conflict resolution and actively support women’s meaningful participation in sustainable peace-making processes before, during and after conflict.