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- Ελληνικά
The President of the House of Representatives, Mrs Anita Demetriou, received today the President of Group III (Group of Civil Society Organisations) of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Mr Séamus Boland. Mr Boland was accompanied by EESC members Panikos Hambas and Tasos Yapanis.
The President of the Parliament expressed her appreciation for the work of both the President and the EESC as a whole, stressing that the representation of civil society is of increasing importance. Politicians, Ms Demetriou stressed, must listen to the concerns and needs of citizens in order to promote policies that produce tangible results aimed at improving their lives.
The President of the Parliament referred to the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation of Cyprus, the painful consequences of which, as she pointed out, the thousands of displaced persons, the missing persons and the violations of numerous human rights, we are still experiencing today.
Referring also to Mr Boland's country of origin, the President of the House noted the very good relations between Cyprus and Ireland, the important similarities in their historical path, the common challenges that the two countries face as small European states, as well as the importance of preserving their equal representation within the EU. In this context, Demetriou referred to the particular difficulties faced by Cyprus, as the closest EU Member State in the Middle East region, in managing the increasing migratory flows, mainly of Syrians from Lebanon, and criticised Turkey's instrumentalisation of the migration issue. Demetriou stressed the need to address this issue effectively at EU level, including by reviewing the status of specific areas in Syria. She also stressed the need to join forces to defend common European principles and values against extreme ideologies and populism that threaten the European ideal.
Mr Boland praised the work carried out by Cyprus' representatives in the EESC. He underlined the close working relationship between Ireland and Cyprus, stressing that the two countries retain their own identity and remain committed to common European principles and values, which are a safety net against current challenges and threats. He noted that the failure to find solutions to burning issues, such as migration, fuels extreme political movements that threaten European ideals, expressing the hope that the New Pact on Immigration and Asylum will make a positive contribution to the holistic and effective management of this issue.
During the meeting, concern was expressed about the unstable situation in the Middle East and the consequences that a possible extension of the war in Lebanon would have for regional security and stability and in particular for Cyprus.
Finally, views were exchanged on possible ways to enhance the visibility of the important work carried out by the EESC.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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