-
.
- Ελληνικά
The work of the Executive Council of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) began yesterday in Antalya, Turkey, with the participation of twenty member parliaments of the Assembly. The House of Representatives is participating with a two-member delegation, consisting of MPs Mr. Nikos Tornaritis and Mr. George Loukaidis.
In his intervention in a debate on the situation in the Gaza Strip, the head of the Cypriot delegation, Mr. Tornaritis noted that Cyprus' geostrategic position enables it to act as a bridge of diplomacy and cooperation between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, a role that, as he pointed out, Cyprus is actively pursuing in order to contribute to the achievement of stability and peace in the volatile region of the Eastern Mediterranean. Mr. Tornaritis referred, in this context, to the proposal of the Republic of Cyprus for the creation of a maritime corridor through which humanitarian aid will be transported to Gaza. This initiative, he said, is based on the geographical proximity and credibility of Cyprus, both as an EU member state and as a close partner of most of the Eastern Mediterranean countries.
Mr. Tornaritis stressed that Cyprus condemns all forms of violence and aggression and the tragic loss of civilians from any side and is working systematically in order to prevent the conflict from escalating and de-escalating. In conclusion, Mr. Tornaritis reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus' long-standing support for the resolution of the Middle East issue on a two-state basis, through a peace process, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, as the only possible way to achieve regional stability and security.
The members of the Executive Council decided, following a request made by the Palestinian delegation, to establish a Special Committee on the Palestinian issue, with a view to promoting the objective of achieving peace, security and prosperity in the region.
Mr. Loucaides in his intervention, expressing satisfaction with the decision taken, condemned Israel's invasion of Gaza and the ensuing acts of violence and gross violations of human rights and expressed his full solidarity and support for the suffering Palestinian people.
In addition, on the sidelines of the Executive Council meeting, Mr. Tornaritis had a brief meeting with the President of the Turkish National Assembly, Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, as well as contacts with the heads of the delegations of China and Azerbaijan, with whom he discussed issues related to the functioning of the Assembly.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
