DRAFT ANNEX VIII: RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

Article 1 Establishment

1. There shall be an independent, impartial Reconciliation Commission,
   
2. The authorities of the <common state> and the <component states> shall render the Commission full cooperation and shall issue instructions to that effect to all concerned.
   

Article 2 Aims

With the objective of promoting understanding, tolerance and mutual respect between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the Reconciliation Commission shall, inter alia:

1. Promote a dispassionate dialogue between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots regarding the past, by addressing, inter alia, historical perspectives, experiences, and memories;
   
2. Prepare a comprehensive report on the history of the Cyprus Problem as experienced and interpreted by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots;
   
3. Make specific recommendations for action by the <common state> and the <component states> aimed at promoting reconciliation, including guidelines for publications and school textbooks so as to promote mutual understanding of different perspectives on the past;
   
   
   Σχόλιο: Βασικός Στόχος εδώ είναι Αλλαγή και παραχάραξη της Ιστορίας.
   
   
   
4. Make recommendations for the implementation of the requirement in the Constitution for the teaching of the official languages to all secondary school students; and
5. Make recommendations on guidelines for the observance of secular public holidays by the <component states>.
   

Article 3 Powers

1. In furtherance of these aims the Reconciliation Commission may, among other things:
   
   1. Convene public or private hearings and set up research groups or committees to discuss and/or inquire into questions, facts, events and time periods related to its work;
   2. Receive information from varied sources, from par1ies, governments or individuals inside or outside Cyprus;
   3. Consult experts in relevant fields;
   4. Request and receive prompt, full and unhindered access to any and all records, archives or information;
      
      
      Σχόλιο: Στην Κύπρο μόνο ή και στο εξωτερικό;
      
      
      
   5. Prepare and publish interim reports, findings and recommendations;
   6. Adopt and publish rules, regulations and procedures required for the performance of its functions; and
   7. Perform other tasks which may be incidental or related to the performance of its functions.
   
   
2. The Commission shall have no prosecutorial or other criminal legal function or powers.
   
3. The Commission may decide to protect the confidentiality of its sources and proceedings.
   
4. The work, proceedings, reports and recommendations of the Commission shall be without prejudice to the work of other existing bodies or committees, including the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.
   

Article 4 Composition

1. The Reconciliation Commission shall be composed of [five/seven/nine] men and women, committed to reconciliation .in Cyprus and possessing appropriate integrity, credibility and expertise, comprising an equal number of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as well as at least one non-Cypriot member.
   
2. The Secretary-General is invited to appoint the members of the Commission, after consultation with the two sides and the public, and to appoint any replacements in the same way.
   
   
   Σχόλιο: Και πάλι ο Γ.Γ. του ΟΗΕ θα επέμβει άμεσα και θα διορίσει αυτός κατάλληλο κατά την δική του άποψη άτομο.
   
   
   
3. The Commission shall be assisted by a group of qualified staff.
   
   
   Σχόλιο: Πόσο μεγάλο;
   

Article 5 Duration

1. The process of consultation for appointment of the members of the Reconciliation Commission shall commence no later than 60 days after entry into force of the Foundation Agreement. The Commission members shall be appointed within a further 60 days and be inaugurated within a further two weeks.
   
2. Unless the Secretary-General, in consultation with the two sides and the members of the Commission, decides to grant an extension of up to six months, the Commission shall submit its final report on its conclusions and recommendations no later than 30 October 2005.
   

Article 6 Costs

Article 7 Recommendations and reports

1. The Reconciliation Commission shall submit its reports and recommendations to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the <common state> and the <component states>.
   
2. The final report and all recommendations by the Reconciliation Commission shall be given wide dissemination by the <component states>. The final report shall be published in English, Greek and Turkish. The findings of the final report shall be reflected in relevant school textbooks
   

Article 8 Follow-Up Procedures

1. After the submission of the Commission's final report, a follow-up committee, appointed [insert method of appointment]. shall monitor the implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
   
2. The authorities of the <common state> and each <component state> shall be required to submit reports every 120 days to the committee on the implementation of recommendations. Such reports shall explain the reasons for failure to implement specific recommendations.
   

[insert additional articles as necessary; including, inter alia, on procedures for public consultation regarding appointment of members; immunities; the giving of evidence; remuneration of Commission members, etc].