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Ambassador’s remarks at the opening of "Brushstrokes V"
Cyprus-American Bicommunal Arts Exhibit

May 6, 2003
Ambassador’s Residence

Your Excellency, President and Mrs. Papadopoulos,
Your Excellency, the President of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Christofias,
Your Honor, the Attorney General of the Republic and Mrs. Nikitas,
Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen 

Boni and I are very pleased to welcome you to the Residence this evening for the opening of "Brushstrokes Across Cultures V," a collection of Cypriot and American art.  I say “Cypriot” in the full recognition that these past two weeks have made us understand that the phrase “we are all Cypriots” is not a hollow one.  It is a profound utterance that underlies the overwhelming response of so many people in Cyprus to the relaxation of the decades-old barrier dividing this beautiful island.    

We are particularly pleased to welcome so many Turkish Cypriot friends and colleagues to our home.  This is a result of a burgeoning demand for greater and freer communication between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.    

What is historic about recent developments is not the removal of restrictions.  On the contrary, what is historic is the response of Cypriots -- Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike in the tens of thousands.  What is historic is that these past two weeks have exposed as false the myth that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can’t get along and have to be kept apart in order to promote peace on the island.  Just the contrary.  The Annan plan got it right. 

The last two weeks also provide an answer to one of the questions frequently raised about the viability of the Annan plan.   Is there sufficient goodwill on both sides to make the plan work?  The people have spoken; the answer is demonstrably “yes.”   

The United States welcomes these developments, both the relaxation of restrictions on movement within Cyprus and the April 30 package of Greek Cypriot measures.  While they are not a substitute for a settlement, developments such as these, which foster greater bicommunal contact, increase understanding between the two communities and improve the atmosphere for pursuing a just and durable settlement, are positive.  We will do what we can to facilitate further this contact, as we have in the past with our substantial support for bicommunal programs.  Our deepest hope is that these events will help foster conditions – indeed momentum – leading to renewal of UN-chaired negotiations for a comprehensive and durable settlement, as provided for in UN Security Council Resolution 1475. 

Tonight’s exhibition is the fifth in a series of exhibits in which Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot – just Cypriot -- and American artists are participating.  This is also one of the many programs organized by the embassy to help Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business, professional, academic, artistic and social groups get to know each other and visualize a future together.  One of these programs has resulted in the creation of the bicommunal Cyprus Apple Hill String Quartet, under the auspices of the Cyprus Fulbright Program.  I am very pleased that they are able to play for us tonight. 

Artists have something to tell us about our hopes and fears.  Artistic expression is both personal and universal.  It is a form of communication to be shared and understood by all.  In its purest forms, it transcends all labels that divide people from one another and unites them in a vision worthy of their common humanity.   

The works of the Cypriot and American artists you see around you reflect the individuality and vitality of contemporary artists from different cultures.  In today's world we focus too often on what divides us.  We overlook the universality of human emotion and experience as reflected through genuine art.   I believe that events such as ours tonight, which honor our artists, the conveyors of our higher hopes and dreams, can inspire us to a more noble plane of understanding in Cyprus. 

Tonight we admire the brushstrokes and chiseling of painters and sculptors who can transcend cultural and other barriers and communicate both their individuality and common humanity.  They are part of a world community of those weaving a tapestry on the human condition.  By the same token, in recent weeks, we have watched the footsteps – not brushstrokes – of Cypriots who also have transcended barriers and renewed past ties, connections and associations.  They too are weaving a new tapestry of hope for a peaceful and reunified Cyprus.   

I wish to thank the fourteen talented Cypriot and American artists participating in tonight’s exhibition for their generosity of spirit and their willingness to share with us their visions of truth, beauty and understanding through their art.  The variety and vitality of their work reflects the contemporary and dynamic spirit of the art community both in Cyprus and the U.S. 

I hope you will find the works of this exhibition as beautiful as my family does on a daily basis. Thank you all for coming.