World War II, which was one of the most murderous and harsh wars of the world, started on 1st September 1939 with the occupation of Poland. Then, 1st of September was called “World Peace Day” since the war caused millions of people to die, get injured, become permanently incapacitated; millions of children became orphans without home and schools. The main focus of the day was to prevent such a disaster from happening again. The pacifists all over the world on 1st September gather in the streets in order to cry out for peace and protest against wars.
Unfortunately, despite the will of communities which cry out for world peace and a world without exploitation, this aim has not been attained. Still in many countries, there has been death, blood, tears, hunger, poverty, cruelty which means retrogressive scramble-wars. Wars have become like a daily routine in the Middle-East and in many countries of Africa. The imperialist powers do not refrain from violence, wars, exploitation, distraction and force just to gain more interest, wider market and authority as well as resources. The United States of America, which turned The Middle-East to a pool of blood, seeks for the opportunity to hit Iran while its massacre is still going on in Afghanistan and Iraq. Moreover, the break out of conflict in the Caucasus caused thousands of innocent people including women and children to die in a very short period of time.
Just like the majority of the communities in the world, the Cypriots also suffered from wars. The wounds have still not been healed since these people witnessed such inhuman situations and pain. Although many years have passed after the hot war, apart from Peace, there has not been any official resolution in terms of “ceasefire”. Even though people do not constantly think about war, all Cypriots live on the island with the danger of war. Imperialist powers and their local collaborators and followers try to stand up for themselves; therefore they do not wish a real and permanent solution and peace in Cyprus. It should not be forgotten that, the nationalists, chauvinists, fascists and even the “separatists who wear a mask of peace” will continue to prevent solution, just as they have been doing up to this date.
Therefore, it is crucial to have a common active struggle for Peace, with determination, will and demand. The task of establishing peace should not be left only in the hands of the “elected leaders”. Regardless of their ethnic origins, all people living in Cyprus should take the initiative, take steps forward together in order to struggle for Peace and reach the aim of a united Cyprus, rise up their voices with determination; for the necessity of peace and brotherhood of communities is a very crucial high spot. There is no doubt that this brotherhood is essential more than anything, during this sensitive period. This common struggle of communities in Cyprus will not only disturb the powers which try to prevent peace in Cyprus but it is also the only and unique way to achieve peace and permanent solution on the island.
The Cyprus Green Party was one of the main organizations who have decided to walk from the Greek Cypriot part of Nicosia (Eleftheria Square) and from the Turkish Cypriot part of Nicosia (Kuğulu Park) at the same time 7.00 PM on Monday 1st of September 2008 just to show our determination and will of Peace and a Unified Cyprus. Eight hundred people met in front of the Ledra Palace Hotel (the headquarters of the UN forces in Cyprus) to “light a candle for peace”. People sang songs and celebrate the beginning of our common struggle for peace.
