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- Ελληνικά
The work of the 21st Autumn Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) continued this afternoon.
Speaking at a session on the need to protect those affected by conflict, MEP Mr. Christos Seneca said that in conflict zones innocent civilians, including women, children and the elderly, suffer the most significant effects of war, as they are often driven from their homes, their families are torn apart and their futures shattered.
Having experienced the consequences of conflict and forced displacement due to the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing military occupation since then, Cyprus could not but be supportive of the 100,000 Armenians who were forced to flee Nagorno Karabakh about a month ago. He stressed that the international community should provide them with both the short-term protection and long-term support they need to rebuild their future, expressing the hope that it will be free from further conflict and instability.
In addition, he referred to the civilians, who are severely affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He noted that in this context and wishing to contribute substantially to mitigating the consequences of this conflict, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, presented the "Amalthea" initiative at the Paris International Conference on Humanitarian Aid. He explained that this initiative proposes the operation of a maritime corridor through Cyprus, which will facilitate the uninterrupted and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He noted that this initiative, which has received significant support from the President of France, has been discussed at length with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the EU Member States and its EU institutions, as well as with the United Nations, whose contribution is crucial to its implementation and success.
Finally, he stressed that alongside any humanitarian assistance efforts, the parties involved and the international community must remain committed to strengthening the political prospects for a two-state solution, in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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