The excellent cooperation between the Parliaments of Greece and Cyprus and the possibility of further strengthening exchanges and coordination at the bilateral level and within the framework of the tripartite mechanisms of parliamentary cooperation with countries in the region, were noted during the meeting of the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou with the First Deputy Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Ioannis Plakiotakis. Demetriou received Plakiotakis, who is in Cyprus representing the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, in attending events marking the dark anniversaries of 1974; the coup against President Makarios by the military junta ruling Greece at the time and the ensuing Turkish invasion of the island. According to a statement by Parliament, Demetriou, welcoming Plakiotakis, stated that the presence of the First Deputy Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament on this tragic anniversary for Cyprus and its people, beyond its important symbolism, sends a strong message of solidarity and cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the struggle for justice, on the basis of international law and European principles and values. Plakiotakis, it is added, underlined Greece’s undivided support for Cyprus’ efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, without deviations from international and European law. During the meeting, ‘the excellent cooperation between the Parliaments of Greece and Cyprus and the possibilities of further strengthening exchanges and coordination at the bilateral level and within the framework of the tripartite mechanisms of parliamentary cooperation between Greece and Cyprus with countries in the region, were noted’, the announcement states. ‘The important role of parliamentary diplomacy and partnerships in this context was underlined, with the aim of drawing up a common strategy to face multiple challenges and defend international law and democracy against serious threats, including disinformation’, it added. The President of Cyprus’ Parliament, ‘stressed the urgent need’ to resume the talks from the point where they were left off in Crans Montana, in order to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, which would reunite the country, in conditions of lasting peace and stability, it said. Demetriou also stressed that the Turkish side’s insistence on a two-state solution cannot be accepted and condemned Turkey’s intensifying provocations and usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories. Drawing parallels between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Demetriou pointed out that Cyprus, based on principles, had an additional reason to stand by Ukraine and its people from the beginning, it adds. It is noted that special reference was made to the migration issue, the serious problems faced by Greece and Cyprus as frontline countries and the need for collective action on the basis of solidarity and the fair sharing of responsibilities between EU member states. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency