Nicosia: The national goal is the reunification of the island and the complete withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus, said Nikitas Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament, during a meeting on Tuesday. Kaklamanis highlighted the intention to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, emphasizing that parliamentary diplomacy can support governmental efforts.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kaklamanis made his first international visit to Cyprus since taking office as President of the Hellenic Parliament. In the morning, he met with Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives, in Nicosia. After the meeting, Demetriou stated that they discussed a range of complex issues concerning bilateral relations.
Demetriou stressed the importance of Greece and Cyprus maintaining their status as islands of security and stability in the region. She also reaffirmed their demand for the immediate release of five Greek Cypriots held under conditions resembling hostage-taking by the occupying regime.
The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments at the UN General Assembly in New York and discussed the next steps in addressing the Cyprus issue. Demetriou expressed gratitude for Greece’s support in the efforts to restart negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus situation.
Demetriou also briefed Kaklamanis on the preparations for Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council Presidency. They analyzed broader geopolitical developments and challenges and agreed that relations between the two countries must remain unbroken under all circumstances.
Kaklamanis is set to attend the Independence Day parade of the Republic of Cyprus, which Demetriou described as “highly symbolic” and indicative of strong bilateral relations. Kaklamanis expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized that the Cyprus issue enjoys unanimous support from all political parties in the Hellenic Parliament.
He reiterated that this longstanding support aims to strengthen ties between the two parliaments across various domains, including culture and education. Kaklamanis noted that parliamentary diplomacy sometimes resolves issues beyond the reach of government efforts.
Kaklamanis expressed his emotions about attending the 65th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence, highlighting the struggle of Cypriot Hellenism for freedom. He stressed that reunification of the island, without the presence of Turkish occupying forces, is essential for achieving meaningful freedom and justice for past sacrifices.
The meeting between Demetriou and Kaklamanis underscored the strong diplomatic and political ties between Greece and Cyprus. Kaklamanis noted that the first international trip of each newly elected Hellenic Parliament President is customarily to Cyprus, highlighting the substantive reasons for this tradition.
As a gesture of goodwill, the two presidents exchanged gifts, with Kaklamanis presenting Demetriou a silk scarf from Soufli. Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion and occupation of the island’s northern third. Efforts for UN-led peace talks have so far been unsuccessful, with the last negotiations in 2017 ending without resolution.