The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Mr.Charis Georgiades, met today with the Rapporteur of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the issue "Call for the return of Famagusta to its legal inhabitants", Italian MP Mr. During the meeting, Mr Georgiades briefed the Italian Rapporteur on Turkey's increasing illegal actions against the Republic of Cyprus, with particular reference to the new Turkish provocations in the enclosed area of Famagusta. Georgiades noted that the issue of the return to Famagusta of its legal residents is a basic precondition for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and is at the heart of the confidence-building measures proposed by the Greek Cypriot side to create a favourable climate leading to the resumption of the talks within the UN parameters. Georgiades stressed the need for a more active intervention of the European Union in order for Turkey to abandon its aggressive behaviour and intransigence and truly commit to a European course.
Regarding Turkish provocations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Georgiades said that Turkey could possibly participate in energy plans in the region, provided that it respects international law, abandons its gunboat diplomacy and demonstrates a spirit of cooperation and good neighbourliness.
Finally, Mr Georgiades stressed that the solution to the Cyprus problem should ensure the viability and functionality of the state and guarantee security and respect for the human rights of the Cypriot people as a whole, as befits a modern European state.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
