Words of Welcome of the German-Cypriot Forum
on the Occasion of the Peace Festival on September 30th 2001
at the Pergamos Park, Cyprus


Dear friends,

Today is an important day for Cyprus. Today, Greek and Turkish Cypriots 
celebrate the Cyprus Peace Day side by side. Despite the painful 
experiences of the past, despite all the obstacles and difficulties, you 
have come to this place here today in order to demonstrate your 
togetherness across all borders. This is not only a significant step in 
the peace process in Cyprus. During these times of violence and terror it 
is a message of peace to the whole world.

Having to face walls and barbed wire there is one thing we know for sure: 
The future of Cyprus is bi-communal. Already today Turkish and Greek 
Cypriots work for their common future - for a peaceful reunited Cyprus. 
Today's peace festival and all the numerous actions during the last month 
in towns and villages on both sides of the Green Line are cornerstones 
laid for this common future. Its architects are the bi-communal groups, 
that achieve this important pioneer-work in various social fields.

The German-Cypriot Forum supports the work of these bi-communal groups. 
Our members are Germans, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Turks and Greeks. 
Like the participants of this peace festival we are also joint by the wish 
for a peaceful togetherness of all communities in a reunited Cyprus. At 
today's Cyprus Peace Day we send to you our best regards and we hope you 
will enjoy this reunion in joy and harmony.

On behalf of the executive committee
Eckart Kuhlwein, chair

___________________________________________________________________

Deutsch-Zyprisches Forum e.V. (German-Cypriot Forum)
Secretary c/o Dorothee Pilavas
Postfach 15 04 62
D-44344 Dortmund
Phone/Fax +49-231-337822
E-mail: D.Pilavas@t-online.de
www.dzforum.de