Accepting on Thursday the credentials of Australia's new High Commissioner, Fiona Vashti Catherine McKergow, the President said we stand with Ukraine in expressing our strong support and respect for its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. He noted that what is of paramount importance at this point is to ensure, through diplomacy and dialogue, an immediate ceasefire to stop the tragic loss of innocent lives.
The President said that Cyprus and its people have had their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, following the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation since 1974 whose devastating consequences we are still experiencing today. He expressed his deep appreciation for Australia's principled stand on the Cyprus issue and its consistent support for our efforts towards a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality as set out in UN resolutions.
He said this stand was particularly appreciated in light of Turkey's stated position for a "two-state" solution and its overall aggressive behaviour in flagrant defiance of international law. The President added that Turkey is continuing its illegal plans in the fenced area of Varosha in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation of the international community and its repeated calls for an immediate reversal of this course.
He referred to the MOU he tabled, saying that it can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst for efforts to reach a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
The President also said that Cyprus and Australia are staunch supporters of international law, peace and global stability, adding that the year 2023 will be a milestone in bilateral relations as it will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Australia.
He referred to bilateral cooperation in international organisations and fora, especially in the framework of the United Nations and the Commonwealth, adding that as far as the European Union is concerned, it is obvious that Australia is considered a very close and important partner.
He also assured that Cyprus will continue to support the further strengthening of EU-Australia relations in the coming years to the mutual benefit of both sides. Furthermore, she said, we will work constructively with all partners to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
[/P]In presenting her credentials, the High Commissioner referred to the large community of Cypriots in Australia, which is the second largest overseas, saying that it has a history of strong social and cultural contributions to modern multicultural Australia.
She said she arrives in Cyprus at a time of increasing challenges to peace and security in the region, where we see the undermining of basic human rights such as increased restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of movement, democratic engagement and gender equality.
He said this is an important reminder of the need to actively support efforts that embrace democratic engagement by all communities, adding that as supporters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we must strengthen our common national foundations of freedom, equality, rule of law and mutual respect.
She said she was encouraged and impressed by the scope of bilateral cooperation at university and research institution level in areas such as renewable energy, road safety, fire management and marine pollution.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, she said Australia remains committed to supporting peace-building efforts and to promoting commitment from the various communities on the island to achieve a lasting solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
She also said that 2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of Australia's first peacekeeping mission to Cyprus, and she will focus on ensuring that their sacrifice is remembered in a way that continues to teach future generations about the enduring need to support the quest for peace on the island.
Source: KYPE
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