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- Ελληνικά
The 31st Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE CSC) continues in Bucharest.
Mr Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, Vice-President of the CSC. OSCE and Special Representative of the Assembly for South-Eastern Europe, in his intervention, in the context of a debate in the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, pointed out that the erosion of democratic institutions and the weakening of the rule of law in OSCE participating States undermines fundamental freedoms and human rights. He called on the members of the Assembly to demonstrate integrity, credibility and a genuine commitment to upholding human rights.
The Cypriot MP expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation and gross human rights violations in Ukraine, stressing that Ukraine's resilience should be supported and its recovery efforts should be further promoted. He stressed that a common will is required to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.
Referring to the Middle East, Hatzigiannis stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the protection of all civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and the unconditional release of all hostages on both sides, so that the region can begin to return to conditions of security and stability. It noted in this regard that further escalation of violence and instability between Israel and Lebanon would be a serious blow to peace and stability, causing significant economic consequences and greater migratory pressures. He made particular reference to the disproportionate migratory pressures faced by Cyprus, as the EU Member State that receives the largest number of asylum seekers in proportion to its population, having far exceeded its infrastructural limits.
Mr. Hatzigiannis also expressed concern about the discrimination and lack of protection suffered by minorities on the basis of ethnic, racial, religious, gender and sexual criteria throughout the OSCE region, noting the need to adopt policies that promote the integration of minorities.
Finally, Hatzigiannis deplored the continuous attacks against journalists, human rights activists and politicians in the OSCE region, which, he pointed out, have resulted in the shrinking of civil society space in many OSCE states. He called for the immediate release of all journalists and political prisoners in the OSCE region, in accordance with the international obligations and commitments of the participating States.
Mr. Hatzigiannis also participated in a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, as the Vice-Chairman of that Committee, where the management of legal migration, ways to combat illegal migration, as well as issues related to past and future activities of the Committee were discussed.
Moreover, in the margins of the work of the Session, Mr Hatzigianni had bilateral meetings with members of the Romanian Parliament belonging to the Hungarian and German minorities, with whom he exchanged views on the legislative framework concerning the integration of minorities.
(Text as sent by the Chamber of Deputies)
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