March 2, 2019: Canadian diplomat Elizabeth Spehar, the United Nations Special Representative for Cyprus, said more women should be involved in helping bring reunification to the island divided since an unlawful 1974 invasion that saw Turkey occupy the northern third.

Spehar and UN Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute, an American diplomat who is trying to get the two sides to talk again after the last round of negotiations in July, 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana fell apart, have been leading the push to restart talks.

Speaking at ‘Women in Peace and Security. The Leadership Trio of UNFICYIP – a Global First in Nicosia, organized by the embassies of Australia, Norway and Canada, she said that, “often women shine the most when things look the most dire,” the Cyprus Mail said.

The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is the first mission in the 71-year history of UN peacekeeping to have a woman as the Head of Mission, as well as female leadership in both uniformed components.

Read more: UN’s Special Rep Wants More Women Helping Solve Cyprus Unity (www.thenationalherald.com)

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