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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Anita Demetriou, who is on an official visit to Ireland, visited the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation today. The Director of Programmes, Mr Pat Hynes, briefed the President of the House on the work of the Centre since 1974, as an independent non-governmental organisation, to promote dialogue and reconciliation by building trust and confidence between the two sides on the Northern Ireland issue. Mr Hynes pointed out that the path to reconciliation is a long, continuous and inclusive process in which it is important that as many people as possible, and in particular more women and young people, are involved as active civil society actors on both sides of the political divide.
The President congratulated the Centre on its very substantial and important mission. Ms Demetriou pointed out the obvious similarities between the two countries, which are going through the painful experience of partition, but also the particularities of the situation in Cyprus, due to the continued presence of Turkish occupation troops on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and the increasing violations by Turkey of the international legal order. As politicians, the Speaker stressed, we have a responsibility to fight for the defence of international legitimacy and, at the same time, to encourage dialogue that will lead to reconciliation, convincing of the benefits of lasting peace, security and stability. In this context, Ms Demetriou stressed the importance of the active participation and effective contribution of women in peace processes, as, as she pointed out, they are characterized by empathy, insight and perseverance and can propose alternative approaches to conflict prevention and resolution.
In addition, the President, accompanied by her Irish counterpart, visited places of social and cultural interest in County Kildare, Mr Ó Fearghaíl's constituency. Among other things, the President visited the Teach Tearmainn Battered Women's Shelter, where she was briefed on the work of this charitable non-profit organisation, which provides support services to vulnerable women and children victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Speaker stressed that this is an admirable initiative which aims to empower abused women and children through comprehensive and multi-level support to ensure their right to live without fear in a safe environment. Seán Ó Fearghaíl, hosted a formal dinner in his county in honour of the Speaker.
MAD/LM/
(The text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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