-
.
- Ελληνικά
The work of the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, taking place in Geneva, continues with the participation of a delegation of the House of Representatives, consisting of the MPs Mr. Averof Neophytou (leader), Mr. Stefanos Stefanou and Mrs. Alexandra Attalidou.
In his intervention during the general debate before the plenary session of the Organisation on the theme "Parliamentary diplomacy: building bridges of peace and understanding", Mr Neophytou highlighted the important contribution of parliamentary diplomacy to conflict prevention, mediation and peace building at national, regional and international level. The comparative advantage of parliamentary diplomacy over traditional diplomacy, which mainly concerns its greater flexibility, he noted, allows the establishment of contacts with various actors on the international scene, as well as participation in debates on more sensitive issues.
Referring to the unprecedented challenges afflicting humanity today, which are further exacerbated by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Neophytou stressed the need for a stronger presence of parliaments in international relations. Given, he argued, that parliamentarians are not bound by formal negotiating mandates, they can play a central role in conveying political messages and creating channels of communication where traditional diplomatic relations are either limited or absent.
Maintaining global peace and security, the Cypriot MP stressed, requires a strong and effective international framework, with the United Nations at its heart. Stressing the crucial importance of parliaments' participation in efforts to maintain and revitalise the United Nations system, to ensure both the compliance of governments with international law and the implementation of international agreements, Neophytou stressed that the contribution of parliaments to global debates and UN processes is essential also with regard to inclusive decision-making processes. Referring to the Cyprus problem, Neophytou stressed that if such a logic did not prevail and Turkey was forced to answer for the illegal invasion, the ongoing occupation and the flagrant violations of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the people of Cyprus, the Cyprus problem would not have remained unresolved for half a century. On the contrary, he continued, Turkey's claim of a "two-state" solution, coupled with its escalating provocations and illegal actions on land and at sea, indicate its tolerance of Turkey's complete disregard for international law. Turkey's separatist rhetoric and illegal actions undermine ongoing efforts to resume talks aimed at achieving a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that would reunite the country in conditions of lasting peace and security for the benefit of all the people of Cyprus, Turkey itself and the wider region, he said.
The international parliamentary community must take advantage of the present situation, Mr. Neophytou concluded. Neophytou and reaffirm its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, capitalizing on its comparative advantages in order to bridge differences and promote mutually beneficial solutions on the basis of international law, dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source
