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- Ελληνικά
The meeting of the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) concluded yesterday in Paris. During the session, the request for Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe was discussed in view of the Opinion that the Rapporteur on the issue, Ms Dora Bakoyannis, will soon present before the Assembly's Plenary Session.
In his statement, Mr Loucaides said that as long as no sufficient progress is recorded in relation to the deficiencies recorded in Kosovo, the request for membership of the Council of Europe cannot be accepted. This development, he added, presupposes the implementation of basic commitments and obligations on the part of the Kosovo authorities with regard to the rights of the significant Serbian minority and the rule of law in general. Any relaxation of these criteria by the Council of Europe, he warned, would be a disincentive to take the necessary corrective measures. Reiterating the position of Cyprus' authorities against the recognition of Kosovo's independence, Mr. Loucaides stressed that the attempt to legitimize this entity is contrary to international law and may set a dangerous precedent for the Cyprus case. He stressed that nationalism can never be a solution to the emerging issues and suggested instead the need to reach conciliatory and diplomatic solutions.
Also, among other issues discussed, the Rapporteur on the Famagusta issue, Italian MP Piero Fassino informed the Commission about his recent working visit to Ankara. He further indicated that he would make a second visit to Cyprus in order to finalise his Report, which he intends to submit for a vote in plenary at the June 2024 session of the House.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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