In the framework of the 21st Winter Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE CSCE), MEP Mr. Christos Seneces, participated online in a debate of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, on the topic "Promoting a common OSCE approach to the promotion of economic and environmental security".
Referring to the situation in Ukraine, Mr Seneca underlined that Russia's military offensive against Ukraine is a violation of the OSCE's fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. The Cypriot MP expressed his support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people for the difficult times they are going through, stressing the need to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Cyprus, as a country which for 47 years has been experiencing the painful consequences of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of part of its territory and refugeeisation of part of its population, said Mr. Senekis, supports the immediate end of the military intervention in Ukraine and the return to democratic dialogue.
Regarding the economic consequences of the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, particularly in the energy sector, Mr. Seneca said that they are of great concern at a time when Europe is facing a sharp rise in energy prices and inflationary pressures, combined with the instability in international financial markets and turbulence in the global supply chain.
Economic and environmental security is an integral part of the fundamental concept of the OSCE's universal security principle and, as such, the Organization has an important role to play in efforts to create conditions for stability and economic recovery. On Cyprus, he said that it continues to implement its energy plans in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, always in full compliance with the Law of the Sea, with the aim of turning energy into a catalyst for regional peace and cooperation and making the Eastern Mediterranean an alternative energy option for Europe. Unfortunately, Mr. Senekis stressed, insisting on "gunboat diplomacy", Turkey continues to violate the EEZ of Cyprus, further exacerbating tensions in this extremely sensitive region.
Mr. The environmental initiative, undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus to coordinate the actions of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, aims to support actions and actions to address the devastating effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy.
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