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- Ελληνικά
The work of the 21st Autumn Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) is continuing.
MEP Mr. Christos Senekis, in his intervention in the context of the work of the OSCE's Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum on the current situation in the Middle East, stressed that strengthening the OSCE's relations with the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation is of increased importance in light of the growing instability in the region.
Senekis pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus is the OSCE participating State closest to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and has a strategic partnership with Israel and, at the same time, excellent relations with Arab countries. He noted that the President of the Republic of Cyprus was one of the few European leaders who participated in the peace initiative convened by the President of Egypt in Cairo, and then went to Israel to discuss the current situation with Prime Minister Netanyahu. In this context, Senekis said, Cyprus has submitted a detailed plan for the creation of a sea corridor, external to Cyprus, for the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Following the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians on October 7, Senekis said, Israel's right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter is indisputable. At the same time, he stressed, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, noting, however, that distinguishing between military and civilian targets is not an easy task, as Hamas uses civilians as human shields to protect its installations and places military equipment in protected areas such as hospitals, mosques and schools.
Seneca pointed out that the rules of engagement of a democracy cannot be the same as the rules of engagement of a terrorist organization and therefore the great difficulty of Israel's management of this extremely complex situation should be understood.
In conclusion, Mr. Seneca stressed that no military intervention can replace a political solution and therefore, the objective must remain the return to the negotiating table towards a two-state solution as soon as possible.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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