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- Ελληνικά
Plenary session 12 October 2023
It is with shock and horror that we are watching the tragic events unfolding in neighbouring Israel. Hamas' brutal attack is an attack on peace. As Cyprus we have been experiencing for almost fifty years the painful consequences of the invasion and occupation and we can feel solidarity and sympathy with the struggles of the peoples. At the same time, however, we recognise that blind violence, terrorism and atrocities are not synonymous with either justice, peace or civilisation. We strongly and unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israeli territory, with the victims being civilians, women and young children; we condemn the kidnappings of civilians, especially children; we condemn the rapes and atrocities committed by the terrorists; and we expect the international community as a whole to condemn the atrocities committed in the last twenty-four hours, which are an embarrassment to the human race. At the same time, we express our deepest sorrow and concern at the outbreak of yet another military conflict in the troubled region of the Middle East and the dimensions it is likely to assume.
We call for a de-escalation of the conflicts, the return of prisoners taken by the terrorists and recourse to diplomatic channels, always in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. The Republic of Cyprus stands by any efforts to normalise the situation and joins the other Member States of the European Union in expressing its full support for the State of Israel. As the House of Representatives, we also express our solidarity and support for the friendly people of Israel, as well as our readiness to support them in every possible way.
I call upon you to observe a one-minute silence in memory of the dead and the victims.
(One-minute silence)
Eternal remembrance!
Ladies and gentlemen,
October 12 has been designated as World Rheumatism Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about rheumatic diseases and their impact on the lives of millions of people around the world. Rheumatic diseases include a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis, among others, which can cause severe pain, discomfort and even disability.
In Cyprus it is estimated that over one hundred thousand people, around 25% of the country's population, have some form of rheumatic disease, with many of them not even being diagnosed or aware of it. Raising awareness of rheumatic diseases is an important step towards better diagnosis, treatment and support for sufferers, so it is our duty to promote early detection and intervention, thus giving these people the opportunity to live a more dignified life.
On the occasion of World Rheumatism Day, we can work to improve the quality of life of those suffering from rheumatic diseases by dispelling myths and ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve. By standing alongside rheumatics, we can create a world that is more informed on the subject, more inclusive, but also more supportive of these individuals.
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
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