[PIO] Intervention of MP Christos Seneca before the Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in

The 31st Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE JPA) concludes today in Bucharest. Seneca said that the situation in the Middle East, following the Hamas attacks of 7 October, is rapidly escalating, noting that Israeli citizens are still being held hostage, while the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with no signs so far of a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Mr. Seneca also expressed concern about the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, warning that if there is no immediate de-escalation of tensions, there is a clear risk of regional conflagration.

Referring in particular to the consequences for Cyprus, due to its geographical proximity to the Middle East region, Mr. Seneca criticized Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's urging of the Lebanese authorities to allow the mass flow of Syrian citizens to Cyprus, as well as the direct threats he made against Cyprus, claiming its alleged involvement in the war and the provision of facilities to Israel. Threats echoed by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Seneca pointed out.

The Cypriot MP stressed that Cyprus, as the European Union member state closest to the Middle East, is making every effort to help alleviate human suffering in the region by facilitating, since last October, the removal of thousands of foreign citizens from the war zone and contributing to the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Amalthea initiative. He assured that Cyprus has no involvement in military operations and maintains excellent relations with the neighbouring states.

Whatever the interests behind these claims and the attempt to present Cyprus as part of the problem in the Middle East, Cyprus will continue to be part of the solution, contributing to the goal of peace not with words but with concrete actions.

(The text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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