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The 24th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which took place on 3-5 March 2024, in the framework of the parliamentary dimension of the current six-month Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), concluded today.
The President of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and Head of Delegation, Mr. Harris Georgiades, in a discussion on EU enlargement, expressed support for this policy, underlining that its importance lies in the process of reform and adjustment of the candidate countries, which, he stressed, must continue to be a precondition for their accession. Georgiades noted that the Europeanisation of the candidate countries, their transformation into true liberal democracies and their alignment with EU foreign policy would be a real success of the enlargement policy. Countries that violate human rights and align their foreign policy with Putin and Hamas cannot be accepted in the EU, he added. Georgiades underlined the need for more EU engagement in the region, where major threats to security and stability, including terrorism, illegal migration and obstruction of maritime trade routes, stem from the existence of many failed states. Georgiades also stressed that calls to Israel for a ceasefire must go hand in hand with the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages and an end to Hezbollah attacks, noting that there can be no two-state solution in the Middle East as long as extremist forces dominate the region. Alekos Tryfonidis, pointed out that in order for the EU to face conflicts and achieve the goal of becoming an international security actor, effectively protecting its citizens, promoting common principles and values and defending its interests, it is necessary to develop appropriate security structures, as well as sufficient resources and operational capabilities. At the same time, he stressed, there needs to be a common vision leading to a common stance on key foreign policy issues, enabling the EU to act swiftly to address security challenges. Mr Tryfonidis also stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region should be a priority for the EU and called for collective responsibility, with an enhanced European presence in the region. Alexandra Attalidou stressed that the effects of the war continue to be devastating for Ukraine, Europe and the world and, at the same time, noted that in view of the elections in Russia, Putin's threats, including the use of nuclear weapons, are increasing. In this context, he underlined the importance of maintaining the EU's united position vis-à-vis Russia and in favour of protecting the principles and values of the Union, as well as focusing on supporting Ukraine's European course so that it fulfils the criteria and conditions for membership. Attalidou expressed her full solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine, stressing that Cyprus is also a victim of invasion and occupation by a foreign country and understands better the importance of continuous messages of unconditional support and unconditional international support. He also expressed the hope that the Ukrainian refugees whom Cyprus is hosting will soon return to a free Ukraine.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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