-
.
- Ελληνικά
Plenary Session 28 September 2023
Next Sunday we celebrate the sixty-third anniversary of our country's independence. The hard and unyielding struggles of Cypriot Hellenism, with the epic of EOKA 1955-59 as its brilliant crowning achievement, finally forced the British colonialists to back down and consent to Cyprus becoming an independent state. In 1960, for the first time, the people of Cyprus actually acquired the right of self-determination, but the difficulties proved to be many from the very beginning for the newly established state, as the donor Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus was dysfunctional and created obstacles to the harmonious functioning of the institutions. It was not long before the first cracks appeared in this newly built structure, resulting in tensions, confrontations and conflicts. This culminated in the coup and the Turkish invasion, which since 1974 has divided our country in two.
As the legislature, we renew this year our commitment to continue to support with all our might the search for a just and workable solution, with the reunification of the island and the return of the refugees to their ancestral homes. The years may be passing, but we are not resting on our laurels. The hope that we will achieve what we fervently desire must remain alive. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of this country, but first and foremost to those who struggled, endured, fought, but left without fulfilling their longing to return.
Let us keep indelible the memory of those who gave their lives so that we today can live free and call ourselves "Cypriot citizens" and let us all work together, a people united, far from petty party disagreements and controversies, for a Cyprus free, reunited, peaceful and prosperous for all its citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Before the agenda, I would like to mention the death of Xenophon Kallis, who passed away at the age of seventy-three after a long battle with cancer.
Xenophon Kallis was born in Dali and studied sociology in London. He served for many years in the Missing Persons Service, of which he was the head, and had served as advisor to the Greek Cypriot representative to the Committee of Inquiry on Missing Persons, as well as advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian and Expatriate Affairs.
From the very first moment he devoted all his efforts to the search for and identification of the missing persons of Cyprus. With his dedication to his work and his persistence, he was one of those who took the lead in ensuring that the issue of the missing persons was treated purely as a humanitarian one, with scientific methodology, far from petty political considerations and propaganda agendas. Apart from his professionalism, his approach was always humane, with particular sensitivity towards the families of the missing persons, and as a result he was appreciated and respected by all, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. He worked hard, quietly and above all effectively, dedicating most of his life to this sacred cause.
On behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would also like to mention the unexpected death in the line of duty at the age of fifty of Police Officer Peter Eleftheriou. The unfortunate incident took place on the Rizoelia-Agias Napa highway, when the Police were called to handle an incident of a person on foot on the highway. The unfortunate Petros, in his attempt to remove the pedestrian from the highway, both he and the pedestrian were struck by a passing car, resulting in their fatal injury.
Petros Eleftheriou joined the ranks of the Cyprus Police on 2 October 1998. He served in various positions in the Police, most recently at the Oroklini Police Station, and was always distinguished for his ethics and professionalism. Peter Eleftheriou's dedication to duty, selflessness and courage will remain an example of self-denial and self-sacrifice on duty.
On behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the entire Cyprus Police.
Dear colleagues, I invite you to observe a minute's silence in memory of the defenders of the Republic of Cyprus, Xenophon Kallis and Petros Eleftheriou.
May their memory live on!
Ladies and gentlemen,
26 September was the European Day of Languages, established by the Council of Europe in 2001, on the initiative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and with the support of the European Union.
Each year, the day provides an opportunity for Council of Europe member states to raise public awareness of multilingualism and to encourage citizens to learn languages. Europe's linguistic diversity is a testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Multilingualism is a valuable tool that has also been identified as one of the main skills promoted through the European Year of Skills, which the European Union is celebrating this year, making an essential contribution to personal fulfilment, healthy and sustainable lifestyles, increased job opportunities and active citizenship with the ultimate goal of an inclusive society.
In this context, the Council of Europe and the European Union encourage language learning, which offers important opportunities at educational and professional level, but also for broader intercultural understanding and greater unity between the peoples of Europe.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source[/URL]
