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Ladies and gentlemen,
On 3 April 2024, the Parliamentary and Participatory Democracy Foundation of the House of Representatives together with the Academy of the Legal Service of the Republic successfully co-organized a scientific conference on administrative law, the first of a series of events through which the Foundation of the House of Representatives, within the framework of its statutory objectives, intends to contribute to the public debate on important issues of legal and wider interest. The subject of the conference was the issue of the legal extension of the jurisdiction of the Administrative Court in Cyprus in administrative disputes of substance and the non-compliance of the administration with administrative law decisions, and in this context, speakers from Greece presented the experience of the Greek legal order.
The main conclusions of the conference are expected to form the basis of the legislative process of the state for the legal extension of the jurisdiction of the Administrative Court to the Cypriot legal order as well. For my part, I can only call on all parliamentary parties to support this new institution, which, following the example of foreign parliaments, is expected to contribute to the extroversion of the Parliament.
Today also marks the European Patients' Rights Day, which was established by the International Network of Active Citizens in cooperation with patients' organisations and civil society organisations to be celebrated every year on 18 April. The day serves as a reminder of the paramount importance in the field of healthcare and human rights, as well as the fundamental principles that should govern the health systems of European countries, respect, dignity and unwavering defence of patients' rights.
At the heart of the European Patients' Rights Day is the recognition that every person, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to high quality healthcare. It is a day that reminds us of our shared responsibility to uphold and protect patients' rights, to ensure that their voices are heard, their choices respected and their dignity preserved. We must always remember that patients are not passive recipients, but active participants in their care.
As we celebrate this day, let us recommit ourselves to promoting patient-centred healthcare, where patients' rights, needs and well-being are at the forefront of every decision and action. Let us work together to create a future where health care is not just a service but a partnership based on the principles of respect for patients' rights and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all.
Dear colleagues,
I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the sad anniversary of 21 April 1967. The coup d'état of the colonels crushed democracy in Greece and plunged the country into the darkness of dictatorship. The violation of fundamental human rights, the persecution of political opponents, the conviction of innocent citizens, and the torture to death of dissidents made up the climate of repression and fear that left indelible marks on Greek society. The culmination of the junta's actions was the tragedy of the treasonous coup and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
We do not forget the anniversary of the coup d'état of the colonels in Greece, on the one hand to honour the memory of the victims of the junta and the sacrifices made to restore democracy in the country that gave birth to it, on the other hand to remember the dangers that lurk at the expense of democracy and to be quick to react against any form of authoritarianism. In this context and with the aim of strengthening democratic institutions, the House of Representatives encourages the involvement of citizens in the political life of the country and the strengthening of their role and voice in decision-making, so that through engagement, cooperation and unity we can ensure the prosperity of our people and the reunification of our country.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we will refer to April 24, which marks the black anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, one of the darkest chapters in modern human history. The Armenian genocide was a systematic campaign of extermination launched by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian population from the end of the 19th century, culminating, as we know, in 1915. Over the course of several years, millions of Armenians were forcibly displaced, subjected to hardship and massacred in a relentless effort to eradicate their existence. The consequences of this genocide were terrible and far-reaching. In addition to the enormous loss of life, it left indelible scars on the Armenian people, which continue to haunt generations of Armenians to this day. Families were torn apart, communities were decimated and a rich cultural heritage was irreparably damaged.
Unfortunately, the tragedy of the Armenian genocide is further compounded by Turkey's refusal to recognize it. For more than a century, the survivors and their descendants have faced not only the trauma of their past, but also the indignity of denying their pain and silencing their voices. Denial not only perpetuates injustice, but also undermines efforts to prevent future atrocities and promote reconciliation.
The Republic of Cyprus has always provided active support to Armenia and the Armenian people. It was only the second country in the world and the first in Europe to recognize the Armenian genocide in 1975. The House of Representatives has designated 24 April as the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, passed three resolutions condemning the genocide and in 2015, by amending the Law on Combating Certain Forms and Expressions of Racism and Xenophobia through the Criminal Law, effectively criminalized the denial of the Armenian Genocide. Honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, we pledge to strive for a world where peace and justice prevail, a world where the atrocities of the past will never be repeated.
In closing, I invite you to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
(Observance of one minute's silence)
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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