Slovenia expresses solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and supports the negotiation process to resolve the Cyprus problem to finally end the unacceptable decades of division of the island, aiming at a just, comprehensive solution that protects the basic rights of all citizens and supports progress in achieving a bizonal bicommunal federation in accordance with the UN framework, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia Urška Klakocar Zupancic said after a meeting with President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, in Nicosia.
Slovenia and Cyprus and like-minded and friendly countries, natural allies who enjoy a close relationship and will continue to do so, the two women said, highlighting the added value of parliamentary diplomacy and the importance of women serving in leadership positions.
In her remarks to the press, Demetriou said that her Slovenian counterpart’s official visit to Cyprus presents with an excellent opportunity to highlight the significant prospects for further enhanc
ing collaboration between Cyprus and Slovenia, and especially between the parliaments at the bilateral, European and multilateral level.
She added that the two Parliament Presidents had a very fruitful discussion on an array of issues, including the Cyprus problem, the situation in the Middle East, the climate crisis, the empowerment of women and young people, as well as the negative effects of exploitation and hate speech on social media.
She also said they agreed to undertake joint initiatives and actions within the framework of their competencies, as they both acknowledge that “strength lies in the ability to address challenges together in spirit of solidarity and cooperation.”
The House President added that she briefed that the President of the Slovenian National Assembly on current developments regarding the Cyprus problem following the appointment of a personal envoy by the UN Secretary General and expressed her “gratitude for Slovenia’s support on principles and the settlement according to the UN re
solutions and the support of Slovenia in terms of its peacekeeping presence in Cyprus.”
‘What we agreed with the National Assembly President is that we need to work together more intensively, we need to find and pass to the people a positive agenda, to give them the correct political message. It is the only way to survive in a very difficult political time. I am sure that she will be able to make the difference for Slovenia and I am sure that in collaboration we will be able to do more’, concluded Demetriou.
In her statements, Klakocar Zupancic said that her first visit to Cyprus presents an opportunity for meetings and talks that will strengthen the relationship and the ties between two like-minded countries that share the same values.
She added that discussions included the position of women, especially women in leading position, noting that the number of women in top level position in Slovenia has grown significantly in recent years.
Women, peace and security are one of the priorities of Slovenia’s non
-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, continued the Slovenian official adding that her country supports the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda, and welcomed in this regard the nomination of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy for Cyprus.
She said that Slovenia and Cyprus and like-minded and friendly countries, natural allies who enjoy a close relationship and will continue to do so, advocating for a close partnership with the EU, with the Mediterranean being another important element that brings both countries together and where they would like to further strengthen their cooperation, including in the field of tourism and economy.
She added that both countries are celebrating 20 years of EU membership this year and are firmly committed to the common European project and values, and therefore in favour of solidarity.
According to Urška Klakocar Zupancic, her visit will encourage good cooperation between the two parliaments and within the
friendship groups that have been established, highlighting parliamentary diplomacy as often more flexible and even more effective than governmental diplomacy.
Slovenia and Cyprus share a commitment to respecting international law, human rights, territorial integrity and the peaceful resolution of dispute, she continued, adding that Slovenia “expresses solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and supports the negotiation process to resolve the Cyprus problem to finally end the unacceptable decades of division of the island, aiming at a just, comprehensive solution that protects the basic rights of all citizens and supports progress in achieving a bizonal bicommunal federation in accordance with the UN framework.”
In closing, she welcomed Cyprus’ initiative to establish a maritime corridor for humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, access for humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of hostages.
‘As a non-permanent Member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia is working towards ac
hieving a humanitarian ceasefire, which would lead to a long-term ceasefire, therefore preventing the possible spillover of the conflict into the region. We need to do everything that we can, everything within our powers to make this world a better place and maybe it is time for women to step forward’, concluded the President of the Slovenian National Assembly.
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.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency