Category Archives: Press Releases

Press Release 8.3.17

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Statement of the Religious Leaders of Cyprus Condemning all forms of Violence against Women and Girls to be released on The International Women’s Day

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Office of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden in Nicosia, (RTCYPP) will be hosting the official ceremony to release the joint statement of the religious leaders of Cyprus condemning all forms of violence against women and girls. The event will take place at The Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN Controlled Buffer Zone, on 8 March 2017 at 10.00hrs (Eastern European Time/EET).

H.E Ms. Margot Wallström, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden (via a video message) and H.E Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP will address the event alongside the religious leaders of Cyprus.

The “invitation-only” gathering will bring together the religious leaders of Cyprus, leadership of the different faith communities and civil society, clerics, women’s organizations and political parties, municipal leaders of Nicosia, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the UN, the EU and the media.

“We are delighted that for the first time in the history of Cyprus the religious leaders of the Church of Cyprus, the Muftiate, the Armenian, Maronite and Latin Churches of Cyprus agreed to jointly address issues of violence against women,” said Salpy Eskidjian, the Executive Coordinator of the Office of RTCYPP and one of its co-founders. “This is the third significant joint statement we have facilitated for the religious leaders of Cyprus since we initiated the religious leaders’ dialogue in 2009, under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden in Nicosia, known as the RTCYPP. “We are deeply honored to work with them in this regard and encouraged with their commitment to continued dialogue and peacebuilding.”

The gathering will be under the High Auspices of H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos II, H.E. Mufti Talip, H.E Archbishop Youssef representing also Rev. Father Jerzy Kraj and H.G Archbishop Khoren.
Guest speakers, Susana Elisa Pavlou, director of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) and Mine Atli, project coordinator at Association of Women to Support Living (KAYAD) will discuss the current situation of violence against women in Cyprus.

The religious leaders’ statement will be read out for the first time and presented in three languages. Members of the media have been invited to cover the event.

Join the conversation and spread the word on social media using:
#RLagainstVAW #RTCYPP

Read the joint statement in three languages here>>

Press Release 25.1.17

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Secretary General of the United Nations Acknowledges The Efforts of the Religious Track and Calls for All Restrictions on Freedom of Worship including Access to Religious Sites to be Lifted

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterress, calls for all restrictions on freedom of worship, including restrictions on access to religious sites, to be lifted. In his recently issued report to the UN Security Council on the UN Operation in Cyprus, he acknowledges the commitment of the religious leaders of Cyprus to joint dialogue and the promotion of religious freedom supported by the Embassy of Sweden, also known as the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP).

Mr Guterres underlines that freedom of worship, as a fundamental human right is important in and of itself. In addition, he states, “it can also provide a context for enhanced interaction between the communities.”

Referring to the RTCYPP, the Secretary General underlined that the “joint efforts by the religious leaders continue to lend much needed and broad based support for freedom of worship and the peace.” The Secretary General notes “sustained open dialogue combined with a commitment to freedom of worship by both sides can only serve to open doors for greater understanding and trust.”

The 6-month report of the Secretary General (Reference: S/2017/20) on the operation in Cyprus was presented to members of the UN Security Council on 23 January 2017 when the renewal of UNFICYP’s mandate for an additional six more months was discussed.

Reports of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cyprus are made twice a year and cover UNFICYPs operations and the political
developments on the island.

Full extract of the UN SG references to the RTCYPP are found here below.

Extracts from the UN Secretary General’s 6 months report on the Operation in Cyprus (23 January 2017)

Paragraph 24: The religious leaders of Cyprus continued to demonstrate their commitment to joint dialogue and the promotion of religious freedom, supported by the Embassy of Sweden. The visit on 7 July to Hala Sultan Tekke to celebrate the feast of Bayram included, for the first time, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Maronite, Armenian Orthodox and Latin Catholic representatives. On 9 December, the religious leaders launched a joint appeal via video message to encourage all those with information on the missing to come forward and support the work of the Committee on Missing Persons. On 30 November, the name day of Apostolos Andreas and the first day the Monastery was open to the public, upwards of two thousand people attended a service and visited the Monastery throughout the day with the support of UNDP and UNFICYP.

Paragraph 44: As a fundamental human right, there can be no doubt that freedom of worship across the island is important in and of itself. At the same time, it can also provide a context for enhanced interaction between the communities. I call for all restrictions on freedom of worship, including restrictions on access to religious sites, to be lifted.

Paragraph 45: I note that joint efforts by the religious leaders continue to lend much needed and broad based support for freedom of worship and the peace. Sustained open dialogue combined with a commitment to freedom of worship by both sides can only serve to open doors for greater understanding and trust.

Press Release 20.12.16

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8th Special Pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the occasion of Mevlid

The special pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the occasion of Mawlid-al Nabi or Mevlid in Turkish took place today, December 20, 2016, when Mufti of Cyprus, H.E Dr Talip Atalay led prayers at noon for 850 pilgrims of Turkish origin who reside in the northern part of Cyprus.

The special pilgrimages are part of an agreement made between H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Church of Cyprus and H.E. Dr. Talip Atalay, Mufti of Cyprus within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden (RTCYPP), supported by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E Mr Kasoulides.

Special pilgrimages to Hala Sultan Tekke have been taking place annually as per the request of the Mufti of Cyprus on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al- Adha and Mawlid-al Nabi. They are organized by the Muftiate of Cyprus, facilitated and coordinated by the Office of RTCYPP with the full cooperation and support of UNFICYP. This is the 8th special pilgrimage since 2014.

Press Release 18.11.16

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Cyprus: The Prospects for a Settlement and Wider Implications discussed at the 13th Round Table of the Trilateral Strategy Group meeting in Stockholm, 16-18 November 2016

Cyprus and the prospects for a settlement and wider implications was one of the sessions on the first day at the 13th Round Table of the Trilateral Strategy Group with the theme “The Long Disorder” taking place currently in Stockholm, Sweden.

Peter Weiderud, Moderator of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP) under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden and Director of the Swedish Institute Alexandria, was one of the speakers at the panel alongside Kathleen Doherty, Ambassador of the USA to the Republic of Cyprus and Soli Ozel, Professor of International Relations at the Istanbul Kadir Has University and a columnist at Haberturk. The panel was moderated by Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, Director of the Ankara Office of the German Marshall Fund of the USA.

“One promising development in the midst of the long disorder in the world is Cyprus”, was a statement repeatedly heard at the round table which brought together 40 experts including diplomats, government officials, parliamentarians, scholars, academics, businesspersons and journalists mainly from Turkey, USA and Sweden. All agreed that currently Cyprus is “the silver lining that gives the region and the transatlantic partners the much needed hope.”

The round table discussed the number of highly complex and sensitive issues that remain to be resolved as well as the role of different actors in Cyprus including the Religious Track and its contribution to the peace process. Discussions focused on understanding the prospects of a solution including the concrete concerns and fears of the communities. In his introduction, Peter Weiderud stated that, “the current phase in the Cyprus peace process is a chance for all Cypriots to determine their future themselves”. “The status quo is neither possible, sustainable nor workable.” In describing the RTCYPP, he stated that it “was established to encourage, facilitate and serve the religious leaders’ dialogue and efforts for religious freedom and peace in Cyprus; to acknowledge the historic presence of Christianity and Islam on the whole of the island and to contribute positively to the Cyprus peace talks.”

The support and commitment of Turkey, USA and Sweden to the current negotiations for comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus conflict was reiterated.

Press Release 1.11.16

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Ambassador Olsson Vrang of Sweden hosts her first meeting of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP) in the Presence of UN SRSG Spehar

The Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus, Ms. Anna Olsson Vrang, hosted the religious leaders of Cyprus for a lunch meeting within the framework of the RTCYPP, on 31st October 2016 at the Swedish Residence in Nicosia.

The UN Secretary General’s Special Representative (SRSG) to Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, was the honorary guest. Ms. Spehar reiterated UNFICYP’s commitment to support the religious leaders’ joint efforts for freedom of religion, human rights and peace in Cyprus. “I very much admire and value your work. Everyone needs to do his or her part on this island for peace and you have a special and important role in this regard.” The religious leaders thanked the UN for all its efforts for peace in Cyprus and expressed their best wishes to Mr. Anastasiades and Mr. Akinci for a positive outcome from their intensive talks in Switzerland this week.

The meeting, moderated by Mr Peter Weiderud, Director of the Swedish Institute Alexandria, took stock of the direct and indirect achievements of the religious track since 2009 and the historic steps taken by all involved. Mufti of Cyrus, Archbishop of the Maronite Church, Representative of the Apostolic Nunciature in Cyprus and head of Latin Church as well as the representatives of the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and incoming Archbishop of the Armenian Orthodox Church thanked the Swedish Government, ambassadors and the facilitators of the RTCYPP for their invaluable role and support for dialogue, human rights, peace and reconciliation in Cyprus. “Promoting and securing human rights is key to building peace, trust and confidence. The Swedish Government is committed to continue its support to the efforts of the religious leaders of Cyprus. Their joint achievements have been widely recognized in Cyprus and beyond”, said Ambassador Olsson Vrang. The Ambassador also thanked UNFICYP for the fruitful cooperation with the RTCYPP.

The meeting also discussed the existing status of religious monuments and the right to worship across the dividing line. “One of the root causes for the difficulties we face in our work seems to be the lack of knowledge, understanding and respect for religious freedom as a human right. Respecting all places of worship and allowing for each faith community to care for them and use them in accordance to their religious tradition is a right that should not be kept hostage to the Cyprus problem,” said Salpy Eskidjian, the Executive Coordinator of the Office of RTCYPP and co-facilitator of the religious leaders’ dialogue for peace.

The religious leaders once again reiterated their conviction that places of worship in Cyprus should be restored, open and fully accessible. They all emphasized that sharing hope by staying together, witnessing and working together for peace as religious leaders is a daily duty rooted in their faith.

Press Release 6.10.16

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Swedish Ambassador Anna Olsson Vrang pays courtesy visit to Archbishop Chrysostomos II and Mufti Talip Atalay

On 6 October 2016, the new Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus, H.E Mrs Anna Olsson Vrang, paid her first courtesy visit to His Beatitude Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and to the Mufti of Cyprus, H.E Dr Talip Atalay. The two separate meetings were held within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process (RTCYPP), which is under the auspices of the Embassy of Sweden since its inception in 2009.

Both the Archbishop and Mufti warmly welcomed Ambassador Olsson Vrang with whom they met separately and expressed their sincere appreciation to the Swedish Embassy and its support to the work of the Office of RTCYPP for accompanying the religious leaders of Cyprus in their joint quest for peace.

Ambassador Olsson Vrang reiterated the commitment of the Swedish Government to contribute to lasting peace in Cyprus and assured the religious leaders of its continued support to their efforts in this regard.

“I’m honored by the religious leaders’ acknowledgment of the contribution of Sweden to assist in the further promotion of freedom of religion and belief in Cyprus”, said Ambassador Olsson Vrang, “I’m also pleased to continue Sweden’s engagement with the religious leaders and the faith communities in Cyprus to work together to promote religious freedom, peace and reconciliation.”

Press Release 15.9.16

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Special Pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the

Occasion of Eid al-Adha – Qurban Bayram

 

On the occasion of Eid Al-Adha or Qurban Bayram, the Mufti of Cyprus, Dr Talip Atalay led prayers this morning at Hala Sultan Tekke for around 1000 pilgrims of Turkish origin who reside in the northern part of Cyprus.

The Eid al-Adha or Qurban Bayram in Turkish is one of Islam’s holiest festivals celebrated annually around the world and marks the end of the Hajj to Mecca.

This is the seventh such pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke since 2014, when for the first time H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Church of Cyprus and H.E. Dr Talip Atalay, Mufti of Cyprus agreed together to support the right of Turkish origin nationals, living in Cyprus, to worship at the Mosque in Hala Sultan Tekke, which is considered the most significant Muslim place of worship in Cyprus.

H.E Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, granted permission for special crossings in support of the religious leaders unprecedented agreement for religious freedom and the right to worship, which is supported by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political leaders of Cyprus.

Since then special pilgrimages to Hala Sultan Tekke have been taking place annually on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Mawlid, organized by the Muftiate of Cyprus, facilitated and coordinated by the Office of RTCYPP with the cooperation and support of UNFICYP.

This agreement was reached within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden (RTCYPP).

Press Release 20.7.16

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Archbishop and Mufti of Cyprus hold their last meeting with outgoing Swedish Ambassador

The Religious Leaders of Cyprus met at the Swedish Residence in Nicosia on July 19, 2016 for the last time convened by Swedish Ambassador Klas Gierow, whose term in Cyprus ends this month.

Both Archbishop Chrysostomos II and Mufti Talip Atalay in bidding farewell to the ambassador expressed their sincere appreciation for his contribution in establishing, facilitating and nurturing the relationship of the religious leaders and peacebuilding in Cyprus.

“Your mission in Cyprus has been more successful than you think. If it was not for the Swedish initiative and the support of your Embassy, the Mufti and I would not have met with one another nor developed the trust and relationship we have with one another today.” Said Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus. “We are grateful for the Swedish government’s and your Embassy’s support to the tireless efforts of the Office of the Religious Track as well as your friendship and personal involvement in it.” Said Dr Talip Atalay, Mufti of Cyprus. “Our togetherness in itself is historic and we owe that to the Swedish initiative”. “As religious leaders you have shown that dialogue and communication is an important element of a healthy society, where human rights and religious freedom are respected. Together you are making a unique and very constructive contribution to peace in Cyprus.” Said Klas Gierow, the outgoing Ambassador of Sweden.

Both religious leaders reiterated that they will continue their efforts for mutual understanding, support confidence building measures and peaceful coexistence in Cyprus.

Ambassador Gierow thanked them for the trust they have shown to him, the Swedish government and the facilitation of RTCYPP.

During the meeting, the religious leaders had a chance to review the results and consequences of the religious track the last seven months and discuss their priorities for coming five months. Both religious leaders reaffirmed their readiness to support the political leaders in their efforts for a comprehensive settlement. “Whatever proposal for a solution, it has to be fair and not at the expense of the other”. Said Archbishop Chrysostomos II “Only a win-win solution where neither community feels like they have lost out will succeed “

Religious freedom as a fundamental human right remains at the core of the religious leaders dialogue for peace- the so called religious track. Leaders agreed to have their next high-level meeting with all religious leaders sometime in early October. The New ambassador of Sweden is scheduled to arrive in September.

Background Note: With the facilitation of the Office of RTCYPP under the auspices of the Swedish Embassy, these two religious leaders met for the first time ever in March 2011 achieving unprecedented steps together for the advancement of religious freedom in Cyprus. In 2012 they agreed to invite religious leaders of the Armenian, Maronite and Latin churches to join them and in 2013 they gave their support to Office of RTCYPP which in close cooperation with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the special rapporteur for religious freedom or belief to initiate the creation of the first ever inter-religious platform for human rights bringing together representatives of all the faith communities of Cyprus as well as members from the non-governmental human rights and peace organizations in Cyprus.

 

Press Release 7.7.16

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The 6th Special Pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the Occasion of Eid Al Fitr – Ramazan Bayram

On July 7 2016, Mufti of Cyprus, Dr Talip Atalay led prayers at Hala Sultan Tekke for 1000 pilgrims of Turkish origin who reside in the northern part of Cyprus. This special pilgrimage was organized within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process, under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden, and facilitated by UNFICYP on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr or Ramazan Bayram.

The Mufti received greetings for the Bayram from ambassadors and country representatives, the head of the Church of Cyprus H.B Archbishop Chrysostomos II through his representative, Archimandrite Rev Ioannis Ioannou of Apostolos Barnabas Monastery and representatives of the Armenian, Maronite and Latin religious leaders of Cyprus.

“The essence of Islam highlighted during the holy month of Ramadan with fasting and prayer is to train our egos to reach inner peace. While we celebrate the feast of Al-Fitr we are also grieving for the recent loss of innocent lives to terror attacks abusing the name of Islam. Taking the life of an innocent human being is the same as taking the life of all creation. As a Muslim, I call on everyone in the world with goodness in his heart, to come and stand together against evil in the world. We may have differences but we have to be able to live together. We believe humankind will find peace and learn again to live together and coexist when they learn to train their egos, which is a fundamental teaching of Islam. It is our obligation and duty to be a positive example in our island and the region as a whole. As religious leaders we should give a message of peace and coexistence, not that of politics, living together as one family like brothers, sisters and as neighbours in peace,” said Mufti Dr. Talip Atalay.

“We are witnessing something Cyprus has never experienced in over five decades thanks to the efforts of the religious leaders and the Office of RTCYPP under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden”, said Ambassador of Sweden Klas Gierow. “Religious leaders advocating for the others right to worship, to have free access to their places of worship and celebrate each others feast together. Todays’ sprit is what needs to be nurtured and spread out in Cyprus. Open churches, open mosques with free access for prayer for those who believe and want to pray”.

This is the 6th special pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca since 2014. As a result of an unprecedented agreement between the religious leaders of Cyprus, namely H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Church of Cyprus and the Mufti of Cyprus H.E Dr. Talip Atalay with special permission from the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus. The agreement, also supported by the political leaders of Cyprus, was reached in 2014 within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden (RTCYPP).

Press Announcement 4.7.16

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Special Pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke on the Occasion of Eid Al Fitr – Ramazan Bayram

On the occasion of Eid Al Fitr – Ramazan Bayram, the Mufti of Cyprus will be leading a special prayer service on 7 July 2016, for 1000 pilgrims of Turkish origin who reside in the northern part of Cyprus and cannot otherwise visit and pray at Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca.

The special pilgrimage to Hala Sultan Tekke for Turkish origin persons is a result of an unprecedented agreement between the religious leaders of Cyprus, namely H.B. Archbishop Chrysostomos II of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the Mufti of Cyprus H.E Dr Talip Atalay. The agreement, also supported by the political leaders of Cyprus, was reached in 2014 within the framework of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden (RTCYPP).

H.B Archbishop Chrysostom’s II will be represented by Archimandrite Rev Ioannis Ioannou, abbot of Apostolos Barnabas Monastery, who will bring the greetings of the Archbishop to the Mufti and the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Ramazan Bayram- Eid Al Fitr. The Maronite, Armenian and Latin religious leaders will also be sending their representatives. H.E Mr. Klas Gierow, Ambassador of Sweden will be joining the religious leaders together with other ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic community in Cyprus.

“We hail this agreement between the religious leaders, the gesture of Archbishop Chrysostomos II and the efforts of the religious leaders for human rights and peace as a clear sign of hope. Respecting the right to worship and access to places of worship for everyone as a basic human right is a strong foundation for confidence building, peace and reconciliation in Cyprus, that should be nurtured, protected and advocated.” Said Salpy Eskidjian, the main facilitator of this agreement and the Executive Coordinator of the Office of RTCYPP. “Our heartfelt wishes for a joyous and peaceful Eid to all Muslim faithful and special thanks to all stakeholders and persons involved without whom we could not achieve this pilgrimage.”

Hala Sultan Tekke will be closed on July 7th until 16:30 for tourists and other faithful to accommodate the special pilgrimage that is facilitated by UNFICYP in coordination with the Office of RTCYPP.

Note to Editors:
There will be press conference at 14:15 in the main hall at Hala Sultan Tekke. All interested media should send their full names, ID numbers and vehicle registration numbers to the Office of RTCYPP to linnea@religioustrack.com the latest by 5th July at noon. Only registered media with valid IDs will be permitted to cover the event.
Since 2014 as a result of the Religious Track and with permission from H.E. Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides RoC Minister of Foreign Affairs special pilgrimages have been taking place regularly for the first time in Cyprus on the occasions of Eid Al Fitr, Eid Ul Adha and Mawlid, organized and led by Mufti Talip Atalay, facilitated by the Office of RTCYPP and UNFICYP.

Hala Sultan Tekke is acknowledged and respected as a place of worship. It is open daily from 8:30 – 19:30 only in the summers and 8:30 – 17:00 only in the winters for prayer and worship where Turkish Cypriots and other Muslim faithful are free to practice their faith. Imam Shakir Alemdar, appointed by the Mufti of Cyprus, is responsible for the worship life of the Tekke as well as all other needs of the Muslim faithful.

The Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process under the Auspices of the Embassy of Sweden (RTCYPP) is an unprecedented peacebuilding effort of the religious leaders of Cyprus committed to work jointly for human rights, peace and reconciliation, initiated and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

The Office of RTCYPP is established to encourage, facilitate and serve the religious leaders’ dialogue and efforts for religious freedom and peace in Cyprus and to contribute positively and constructively to the Cyprus peace talks. The Office is based at the Home for Cooperation in the UN controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.
Since 2011, the religious leaders of Cyprus have agreed to focus on four pillars: To get to know and build trust among the religious leaders and respective faith communities; To promote confidence-building measures; To advocate for the right to free access and worship at churches, mosques and monasteries; To ensure the protection of all religious monuments in Cyprus.