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- Ελληνικά
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs.Anita Demetriou met this afternoon with the President of Germany Mr.Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in the framework of his official visit to Cyprus.
Welcoming the President of Germany, the Speaker of the House of Representatives praised the excellent level of relations between the two countries. Demetriou stressed the importance of the first visit of a German President to Cyprus, both in terms of its high symbolism and the strong message it sends about Germany's interest and support for Cyprus at a critical juncture for our country, after fifty years of continuous occupation. The President expressed the hope that the appointment of the UN Secretary General's personal envoy would give new impetus to efforts to resume negotiations towards a solution on the basis of the agreed framework and the relevant UN resolutions. A solution, said Demetriou, that will reunite Cyprus in conditions of lasting peace, security and stability for the benefit of the entire Cypriot people. It is also in Turkey's interest, the President of the Parliament pointed out, to cooperate constructively in this direction, ending its intensifying provocations and abandoning its claim for a "two-state" solution.
The President stressed the important role of Germany, as a leading European power, in addressing the complex challenges facing Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the flare-up in the Middle East. The response to these challenges, Demetriou stressed, must be more democracy, unity and solidarity in defence of our common principles and values. We must, he stressed, invest in peace and respond with the same determination to violations of international law and human rights in all cases without exception.
Steinmeier expressed his country's appreciation for the assistance provided by Cyprus in the evacuation of German nationals from the Middle East. He underlined the need for the unimpeded transfer of more humanitarian aid to Gaza and noted in this regard the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to create a sea corridor.
The German President reaffirmed his country's support for efforts to resume talks on the Cyprus problem, stressing the need for political will on both sides and the importance of promoting confidence-building measures.
Finally, there was an exchange of views on issues of wider interest, with emphasis on the upcoming elections for the European Parliament and the need to send a strong message of unity against extreme political tendencies that undermine democracy and the course of European integration.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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