HANDS ACROSS THE DIVIDE: WOMEN'S GROUP MAKES CYPRIOT HISTORY

March 20, 2002 - A group of Turkish and Greek Cypriot women, Hands Across The Divide, who attended a bicommunal workshop in London last week have made Cypriot history by becoming the first internationally recognized women's NGO (non-governmental organisation). Members come from three regions à north and south of the Green Line and overseas. The inaugural meeting of the group will be held later this month.

The women's group was initiated by Cypriot women from both communities who met at an international seminar last March entitled 'Communication in Divided Societies: What Women Can Do' and have continued meeting since then despite difficulties in bicommunal contact.

In celebration of International Women‚s Day, March 8th, Hands Across The Divide have issued this press statement to share their vision with all Cypriot women which is: " We aspire to live in a united country and to create a democratic society, where there is equality, including equal access to resources and gender equality, and respect for all, irrespective of differences. Our mission is to contribute towards a culture of peace and multiculturalism. We stress the urgency for an agreement on the Cyprus problem and accession to the European Union.‰

For further information contact:
Handsacrossthedivide-owner@yahoogroups.com

Bahire Korel (90-392-2323195)
Tina Kallis (mobile: 99-864696)
Gulay Kaser (90-392-22-56672)
Maria Salousti (mobile: 99-884037)