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The absolute opposition of the Cyprus Government to the armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine, expressed today by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou, who called it a "blatant violation of international law, the sovereignty of countries and the freedom of peoples".
Speaking during a press conference on the events of the "Francophone Season 2022", the Minister of Education expressed his expectation of a practical demonstration of solidarity by the international community.
For her part, the Ambassador of the French Republic to Cyprus, Salina Grenette-Catalano, said that the brutal war currently being waged in Ukraine is in flagrant violation of international law and contrary to the principles of international and European order and security for decades, adding that the international community expresses its solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and is preparing sanctions in response to Russian actions.
"Francophonie Season 2022"
In his address, during the presentation of the programme of events of the "Francophonie Season 2022", the Minister of Education underlined the important role played by the Organisation of Francophonie, particularly in times such as the one we are currently living through, with challenges that are disrupting international stability and security and "when peace is once again proving fragile".
He added that the Organisation of Francophonie "is not just a linguistic community", but a community whose work defends universal values such as freedom and democracy.
He spoke of the new bright period that is opening up in the relations between France and Cyprus in the field of education and culture, with the expansion of the French language in schools, the signing of new memoranda of cooperation and the establishment of a branch of the French Cypriot School in Limassol.
"Cyprus expresses in every way its interest in the French language and culture.
"Cyprus expresses in every way its interest in the French language and culture. The love for French, a language intertwined with the cradle of most artistic and ideological currents of the world, is also expressed through the political decisions of our Government to proceed with the certification of the French language in public schools and its extension to Lyceums and Technical Schools." Moreover, he said that "with these initiatives we aim to offer new opportunities, open new horizons to our youth and create a greater openness to the modern world by strengthening multicultural dialogue."
He also referred to the active participation of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth in the organisation of events and activities for the celebrations of Francophonie 2022, stating that "in this really very difficult moment and context, we express our will to make music, poetry, colours and recitation in French heard louder than the drums of war".
Meanwhile, the Head of the Office of European and International Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Adult Education of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Savvidis, presented the events that will take place on the occasion of the "Francophone Season 2022", noting that the programme of activities includes multiple events, such as lectures, concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, school competitions, etc.
According to Mr. Savvidis, the actions will take place during the month of March, while he noted that all information about these events will be regularly published on the website of the Saison Francophonie 2022 Programme (ifchypre.org), through the websites of the French Institute of Cyprus and the Ministry of Education.
A brief reference to the "Saison Francophonie 2022" was also made by the French Ambassador, who welcomed the actions of the Ministry to strengthen the position of the French language in the entire Cypriot education system, while stressing that in the context of the current French Presidency of the European Union, a separate strand of cooperation based on the French language and multilingualism in general has been developed.
Greetings during the presentation of the events were also given by the Ambassador of Greece, Ioannis Papameletiou, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Lebanon, Quinn Maril Salame, the Chargé d'Affaires of Switzerland, Androulla Michael and the President's Representative to the Permanent Council for Francophonie, Andreas Pirissiis.
Source: CNA
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