Cyprus’ House of Representatives’ President, Annita Demetriou, on Thursday called on the international community to take immediate action to end conflicts around the globe and alleviate the problems faced by refugees. In her statements, during the House Plenary session, Demetriou expressed Parliament’s intention to continue supporting the Ukrainian people and their refugees.
At the same time, she condemned the violation by Turkey of the right of all Cypriot refugees to return to their ancestral homes and the violation of international law by any country, to the detriment of any people.
Specifically, Demetriou referred to the World Refugee Day (June 20) and the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (June 17). For the latter, she said that the legislature will continue to work to prevent and address desertification.
The Speaker of Parliament noted that desertification is an increasing threat to the planet, with Cyprus facing an increased risk due to its geographical location. She added that it is increasing rapidly as a result of climate change and reckless human activity, and could have devastating effects on people’s quality of life if not addressed immediately.
On World Refugee Day, the Speaker of Parliament said that by raising awareness, solidarity and acknowledging the tragedy of millions of people who are forcibly fleeing their homes, due to war or political persecution, “we are also recognising the willpower and courage of all refugees to rebuild their lives in a foreign land, facing uncertainty about the future and sometimes hostility.”
She added that Cypriots fully understand the drama and pain of the refugees, since they live in a country where, for 48 years, thousands of refugees continue to experience the pain of uprooting as a result of the violent Turkish invasion and occupation.
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