The President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, on Thursday received the rapporteurs of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces of the French Senate, Catherine Dumas and Isabelle Raimond – Pavero, with whom she discussed the Cyprus issue, the developments in the ?astern Mediterranean and the Ukrainian crisis.
Demetriou noted that the Turkish provocations jeopardize the efforts for the resumption of the talks that will lead to a solution on the island.
The members of the Senate are paying visits to Greece and Cyprus as rapporteurs of the committee for the preparation of a report on the issue of rearmament and alteration of the strategic situation in the Eastern Mediterranean that will be discussed and approved by the Plenary of the French Senate.
The House President, a press release says, underlined the importance of the close ties of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and France, on the basis of common principles and in the light of the challenges that EU is faced with right now. Particular concern was expressed about the intensifying instability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The President of the Parliament expressed her appreciation for France’s principled position and firm support regarding the Cyprus problem, stressing the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side for the resumption of the talks in order to reach a solution on the basis of international law, the relevant UN Resolutions and European principles and values.
She noted that the unacceptable stance of the Turkish side for a “two-state solution” and the escalating Turkish provocations, both in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone and in the fenced off town of Varosha undermine the prospects for a solution.
She said that Cyprus could be an example of peaceful coexistence, in conditions of security and respect for the human rights of all Cypriots for the benefit of the region and Europe.
Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the President of the House emphasized Cyprus’ full support to the Ukrainian people on the basis of principles, referring also to her own painful experience as a displaced person, as a result of the Turkish invasion and the continued occupation.
She emphasized the need for European states to invest in diplomacy, dialogue and international cooperation as tools for conflict prevention and resolution.
The French senators reaffirmed their country’s firm support as regards the Cyprus issue and the solution on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
Referring to the escalation of threats in the Eastern Mediterranean, Dumas and Pavero pointed out the militarization of Turkey’s foreign policy and the growing influence of outside actors in the region.
Demetriou also underlined the importance of keeping high on the priorities of the political agenda issues related to the defence of democracy and human rights, gender equality and women representation in areas related to security and defense and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, climate change etc.
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.
Cyprus News Agency