A delegation of the House of Representatives, consisting of the deputies, Mr. George Karoullas (leader), Mr. George Koukoumas, Mr. Alexandra Attalidou participated yesterday in the meeting of the parliamentary delegations of the Mediterranean countries of the European Union (GroupMed) to the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), which takes place in the framework of the parliamentary dimension of the current French Presidency. The meeting was attended by the delegations of France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. The geopolitical tensions and the rearrangements in the Mediterranean region were discussed.
Mr. Karoullas referred to the Turkish violations on the territory and in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus and to the hybrid war that Turkey is waging on Cyprus, stressing that Cyprus expects a demonstration of practical European solidarity. Mr. Karoullas underlined the importance of further developing parliamentary cooperation between the Mediterranean EU Member States in order to address the instability prevailing in the Mediterranean region. He also noted the need to develop defence cooperation between GroupMed countries and an enhanced presence in the Mediterranean in order to counter the Turkish "Blue Homeland" strategy.
Ms Attalidou underlined the need for the EU to show zero tolerance in any case of violation of the principles of international law, with reference to Turkey and Russia. She also pointed out that the absence of a substantial European reaction, beyond statements, to Turkey's illegal actions, even in cases where these actions affected the economic interests of other member states, allowed this country to continue its violations and threats against Cyprus. Finally, he noted the need to take steps towards achieving the EU's strategic autonomy.
Subsequently, the Cypriot delegation held a bilateral meeting with members of the French Senate delegation to the CFSP and CSDP Conference and other members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee of the French Senate.
During the meeting, the common desire to further strengthen cooperation between the House of Representatives and the French Senate and to continue exchanges between the delegations of the two Parliaments in the framework of the Conference was underlined.
The members of the Cypriot delegation underlined the importance that Cyprus attaches to the cooperation developed with France in various fields, including in the field of defence. The Cypriot MPs expressed thanks for France's solidarity and constant support to Cyprus, especially within the United Nations Security Council.
The French Senators underlined that France considers Cyprus an important partner, playing an important role in the Eastern Mediterranean region and stressed the importance they attach to the continuation and further development of the cooperation between the Governments of France and Cyprus.
There was also an exchange of views on the crisis in Ukraine and the future of the European Security and Defence Policy, including the strategic autonomy of the Union, particularly in the light of recent developments in Ukraine.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
