26.04.2004 - Statement ratified by the General Assembly in Ohrid, MK Official Statement of AEGEE-Europe on the Situation in Cyprus On the 25th of May, at the AGORA (General Assembly) of the European Students' Forum AEGEE in Ohrid, MK, for the first time Greek and Turkish local branches of our association came up with a statement presenting their position regarding the latest developments in Cyprus. The statement was ratified by over 700 delegates from local branches of AEGEE from all over Europe, thus it represents the official position of our association. General Assembly of AEGEE-Europe AGORA-Skopje, 25 April 2004 Official Statement of AEGEE-Europe on the Situation in Cyprus AEGEE, European Students' Forum, the largest inter-disciplinary students' association in Europe, is a living example of overcoming mental borders, promoting a united Europe, and striving to create an open and tolerant society. Having Peace and Stabilityamong its main fields of action, AEGEE has tried to create a platform for open dialogue between the two communities in Cyprus and the other Europeans, since 1997. One of the most relevant activities organized by AEGEE-Europe was the conference "Cyprus in Europe - Europe in Cyprus" on 12 September 2003 in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe. The main outcome of this meeting was the wish of having a unified Cyprus to join the European Union in May 2004. We therefore hoped that a solution could be reached through the negotiations and the referenda held in Cyprus. We hereby express our disappointment that an agreement satisfying both sides was not found and that our desire for an undivided Cyprus to become a member of the EU has not been fulfilled. AEGEE-Europe believes that a constructive solution should be found as soon as possible, to the benefit the two Cypriot communities and the future of Europe. AEGEE-Adana AEGEE-Ankara AEGEE-Athina AEGEE-Canakkale AEGEE-Eskisehir AEGEE-Istanbul AEGEE-Izmir AEGEE-Kayseri AEGEE-Mersin AEGEE-Patra AEGEE-Peiraias AEGEE-Sakarya AEGEE-Tekirdag AEGEE-Thessaloniki AEGEE is one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary and voluntary student associations, operating without being linked to any political party, promoting a unified Europe, cross-border co-operation, communication and integration in academic environment, and at the same time striving to create an open and tolerant society by involving students and young graduates in valuable projects and discussions over the topics of importance for the communities they live in It is represented in 260 university cities, in 42 countries all around Europe and has about 17000 members. More information: Ewa Solarczyk Vice-President / Director for Public Relations European Students' Forum - AEGEE Rue Nestor de Tiere 15 1030 Bruxelles Phone: +32 2 245 23 00 Fax: +32 2 245 62 60 Web: www.aegee.org Email: [log in to unmask]