Nicosia: President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, highlighted the positive development that, for the first time in eight years, there is movement in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. Kaklamanis made this statement during a special session of the House of Representatives plenary in Nicosia, where he is on an official visit.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, emphasized the symbolic and political importance of Kaklamanis’s visit, underscoring the strong historical ties and the unified stance between Greece and Cyprus. Demetriou highlighted the collaboration between the two parliaments, referencing the ‘Cyprus File’ publication as a significant achievement that enhances national self-awareness.
Demetriou assured that the House of Representatives would continue to strengthen and expand its cooperation with the Greek Parliament. Kaklamanis reiterated that a solution to the Cyprus problem requires the complete withdrawal of illegal occupation troops and the removal of outdated systems of guarantees and third-party intervention rights.
He noted that the recent movement in peace efforts comes from initiatives by the UN Secretary-General and the President of Cyprus. Kaklamanis also mentioned that despite tensions within the Hellenic Parliament, Cyprus remains an issue that unites political parties.
Cyprus has remained divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, the most recent negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without resolution.