Nicosia: UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force on the island (UNFICYP) Khassim Diagne has called upon all residents of Cyprus to move beyond historical divisions and focus on future possibilities. This appeal was made on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, emphasizing the need for unity and forward-thinking.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Diagne highlighted the UN's appreciation for the ongoing efforts by Cypriot leaders, civil society, and various communities to foster peace and reconciliation. He reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Cyprus through sustained dialogue and cooperation.

Diagne emphasized that UNFICYP will persist in its mission to maintain peace and stability on the island, reflecting on its six-decade-long presence. He remarked on the shared responsibility of pursuing peace in Cyprus, focusing on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation to address differences peacefully.

The International Day of Peace serves as a moment to reflect on achievements, recognize ongoing challenges, and renew commitments to a peaceful future for Cypriots. Diagne encouraged investment in dialogue, trust, and understanding, noting that these efforts contribute significantly to a culture of peace.

In his concluding remarks, Diagne urged everyone to use the day to reaffirm their hope for a Cyprus where dialogue and cooperation triumph over division and confrontation, ensuring peace becomes a lasting reality for future generations. "Peace is possible. Let us invest in it together," he stated.