Strasbourg: Head of Cyprus delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and Vice-President of the Assembly, Nikos Tornaritis, along with delegation member Kostis Efstathiou, were honored for their significant contributions to PACE as they conclude their tenure. The two parliamentarians have announced that they will not be participating in the upcoming May parliamentary elections.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the honoring event was held on Tuesday at the residence of the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The Secretary General of the Assembly, Despina Hadjivassiliou, acknowledged the dedication and active role of the two MPs in upholding the core principles and values of the Council.
The head of the Greek delegation, Dora Bakoyannis, highlighted the valuable contributions made by Tornaritis and Efstathiou to the Assembly's work. She emphasized the collaboration developed with members of the Greek delegation, which has strengthened the bonds of friendship between Greece and Cyprus and facilitated the advancement of critical issues.
George Yiangou, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the Council of Europe, expressed gratitude to the MPs for their input, noting that their active participation has undeniably bolstered Cyprus' presence in the Council. He mentioned the tangible results and advantages that have come from Cyprus' involvement in the organization.
Tornaritis extended his heartfelt thanks to the Secretariat and the members of the Greek delegation, highlighting the important work carried out in support of human rights and Hellenism. Efstathiou also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to their efforts, remarking that the Cypriot delegation, despite its small size, has effectively used parliamentary diplomacy to further protect democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights in Cyprus.
The event was attended by members of the permanent delegations of Greece and Cyprus to the Council of Europe and Nikos Emiliou, the Judge representing the Republic of Cyprus to the European Court of Human Rights.