To show their support for the reunification agreement in Cyprus, dozens of Greek and Turkish Cypriots came together on Saturday and joined hands across the United Nations controlled buffer zone.
The peaceful protest took place in Nicosia, and saw people holding placards with slogans including ‘We are Cyprus’ and ‘Unite Cyprus Now’, accompanied with the beating of drums, blowing whistles and singing traditional folk songs.
The protest followed the UN’s announcement on Friday to call off mediation efforts between Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
The reason cited was failing to find “common ground” to convene a final summit for the reunification deal, though officials insist that talks have not entirely ceased.
Protesters said the demonstration was a chance to take peace into their own hands and to remind politicians of their responsibility to citizens to not let them down.