The Commissioner for the Presidency, Mr Fotis Fotiou, had a meeting today at his office with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The Patriarch was accompanied by the new Vicar of the Latins in Cyprus, Rev. Bruno Varriano and Mr. George Panamthundil, from the Embassy of the Holy See in Cyprus.
During the meeting, issues concerning the Latin community in Cyprus were discussed and the strong ties and the long-standing friendship that unites the people of Cyprus with the Latins were highlighted. Fotiou pointed out that they are an integral part of Cypriot society, having their own infrastructure in schools, cultural centres and churches in order for young people to learn their history, customs and traditions. He assured of his and the Government's continuous and enduring support for the community.
In addition, the Presidential Commissioner informed the Patriarch about the humanitarian issue of the missing persons, an issue which the President of the Republic discussed with Pope Francis during his recent visit to the Vatican. The Commissioner asked for the help of the Patriarch and the Holy See in resolving this issue, which for 48 years has caused pain to hundreds of suffering families, stressing that the prevailing stagnation is working against progress and efforts to resolve it.
Finally, the Commissioner referred to issues concerning both the destruction of our religious and cultural heritage in the occupied territories and the issues of internally displaced persons.
Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa thanked the Commissioner for the Presidency and the Government for their support, and assured that he will support in every possible way the efforts made to achieve peace both for Cyprus and for the wider Mediterranean region.
(OP/EXP)
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