RTCYPP News 1.3.18

The Ambassador of Sweden, Anna Olsson Vrang and the Office of RTCYPP co-hosted the first meeting for all Resident ambassadors and Heads of international organizations with the five religious leaders of Cyprus. The main purpose was to introduce the joint peacebuilding efforts of the religious leaders of Cyprus, known as the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process that is under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden. The meeting took place on March 1, 2018 at the Swedish Residence in Nicosia.
The gathering was the first formal joint meeting of the religious leaders of Cyprus since the beginning of the New Year who reiterated their appreciation to the Embassy of Sweden and the Office of the RTCYPP for the support, facilitation and coordination of their efforts.
The meeting was a unique opportunity to share their commitment, concerns and priorities with the whole of the diplomatic community and representatives of UN and EU institutions in Cyprus.
All religious leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue their dialogue and cooperation with one another building bridges of trust and advocating jointly for religious freedom. In addition all reiterated their moral responsibility to work together to keep hope alive, heal memories, restore justice and promote reconciliation.
Responding to the request of the religious leaders, Ambassador Anna Olsson Vrang announced that the Embassy of Sweden would host such gatherings annually.
Salpy Eskidjian Weiderud, Director of the Office of RTCYPP and Executive Coordinator of the religious leaders dialogue in Cyprus will follow up on the recommendations and suggestions of the meeting as agreed with the religious leaders of Cyprus.
All religious leaders and members of the diplomatic community congratulated HB Archbishop Chrysostomos II on his 40th Anniversary for his Archhierchical service to the Church of Cyprus.