Despite the continued differences in the underlying views on the peace process, it is positive that the sides will be meeting again in Geneva for an informal broader format meeting next week, said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, on Tuesday, while expressing his hope that “the parties will use the opportunity of the Geneva meeting to make progress on the Cyprus issue.”
Stewart was speaking at the “Running for Peace” documentary launch which chronicles Runite’s coast-to-coast run last November that brought together over 250 participants.
“The run was a special moment of celebration, solidarity, friendship, and challenge. What might have been a simple sporting event somewhere else carries profound symbolism here in Cyprus. Two groups of runners, each setting off from opposite coasts, converged towards Nicosia—the last divided capital in Europe. But they didn’t just meet; they mixed, ran side by side, and embodied a powerful message: sport transcends barriers. Sport brings people and communities together and helps break down prejudices and build bridges. To an outsider, this might have seemed like just another race. But for those who know Cyprus, it was something far more meaningful. It was a profoundly symbolic coming together of people who share a vision and hope for an end to the division of this island”, he said in his introductory remarks.
“It’s timely that we celebrate this achievement just before all the parties join the Secretary-General in Geneva for an informal broader format meeting next week. Despite the continued differences in the underlying views on the peace process, it is positive that the sides will be meeting again. I sincerely hope that the parties will use the opportunity of the Geneva meeting to make progress on the Cyprus issue”, stressed the UN official.
He also thanked the dedicated individuals of Runite, “who have been running across Nicosia for years to support their call for a unified island”, noting that in 2023, they ran across the two sides of Nicosia, with the support of the Technical Committee on Culture, while last year, in consultation with UN Good Offices Mission and UNDP members, “they decided to go beyond the fortified walls of Nicosia and expand their horizons”.
“Sport has a unique power – it brings people together in a way that few other social or cultural activities can. Yet, here in Cyprus, this power has too often been overlooked or hindered. With the UN’s involvement, these activities are gaining more recognition. People who might never have interacted otherwise are now increasingly coming together – whether through running, chess, yoga, basketball, or perhaps tomorrow even badminton. The UN believes that a Technical Committee on Youth and Sport would be a good way to strengthen trust between the two communities”, he added.
Closing his remarks, Stewart said that every year on April 6, the UN celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, however this year, celebrations take place three weeks early. “The objective is to be inclusive in this endeavour, and to involve women, men, youth and persons with disabilities in sport that brings Cypriots together from around the island”, he concluded.
( Source: CNA)
