Cyprus' rival leaders attend theatrical play to foster trust

The rival leaders of Cyprus attended a theatrical play on June 8 that implores the island's Greek- and Turkish-speaking communities to confront the wrongs of a tortured history to drive home their shared commitment for a reunification deal.

In an added touch of symbolism, Nicos Anastasiades, the 69-year-old president of the internationally-recognized Greek Cyprus and the 67-year-old leader of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Mustafa Ak?nc?, watched the play in their common hometown of Limassol, a bustling, cosmopolitan tourist resort on the island's south coast.
     
It's the first time opposing leaders in Cyprus have watched a play together in long-standing efforts to reunify the small, east Mediterranean island nation.

"On this island, we committed mistakes, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots," Ak?nc? said after the play. "The point is to derive lessons from these past mistakes and build a better future for younger generations."
     
Ak?nc? said Anastasiades would reciprocate a visit to the breakaway north to attend a similar event.
     
Anastasiades said he would ask his education minister to perform the play in all Greek Cypriot schools in order to convey the message that mistakes were made on both sides from the time the island gained independence from British colonial rule 55 years ago.
     
"We will work tirelessly with my dearest friend Mustafa to bring peace, to give a chance to younger generations to live in peace and prosperity," Anastasiades said.
     
Anastasiades greeted Ak?nc? on the steps of the historic Rialto Theater with some onlookers clapping their approval.
     
"I want a solution and this is a step forward, things can't stand still and without...