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- Ελληνικά
The 31st Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) concludes today in Bucharest.
Speaking at a plenary session on the current situation in the Middle East, the Vice President of the PA, Mr. OSCE and Special Representative of the Assembly for South-Eastern Europe, Mr Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, noted that the war in the Middle East had once again demonstrated the OSCE's inability to act in defence of its principles. The situation in the Middle East, Hatzigiannis said, is deteriorating and at this critical moment the OSCE continues to be divided and is unable to contribute to dialogue and mediation efforts for a gradual de-escalation of tensions.
The Cypriot MP strongly condemned the crimes of sexual violence, torture and degrading treatment of the hostages of the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack, while criticizing Israel's disproportionate military response, which, he pointed out, resulted in the death of civilians on an unprecedented scale. He made particular reference to the relevant UN resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all civilians and immediate and effective measures to provide prompt, safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
Hatzigiannis stressed that the achievement of a peaceful, comprehensive and lasting settlement based on two states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting within internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and previous agreements, remains the only viable solution. He called on all parties to work towards creating conditions leading to the launch of a peace process.
Referring to the Hezbollah leader's threats against Cyprus, Hatzigiannis strongly condemned any inflammatory statements made with the aim of further escalating and destabilizing the region and stressed that Cyprus was not and would never be part of the crisis. On the contrary, he said, Cyprus is a pillar of security and stability in the volatile Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean region and a bridge of dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the countries of the region.
In conclusion, Hatzigiannis called on the members of the OSCE CSO to actively support diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of the crisis in the wider region, particularly in Lebanon, in order to avoid disastrous consequences for the whole of Europe.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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