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- Ελληνικά
The support of the European People's Party (EPP) in its efforts for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem was requested by the President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Christodoulides, while expressing thanks to the members of the EPP for their long-standing support and principled stand in the struggle of the Republic of Cyprus to end the Turkish occupation.
In his speech at the Plenary Session of the 27th EPP Plenary, which is being held in Bucharest, Romania, the President of the Republic of Cyprus referred, inter alia, to the leading role of the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, in addressing challenges that the European Union (EU) has faced from time to time, while thanking the EPP for its support to the Republic of Cyprus in its struggle to end the occupation and reunify the island.
Referring to the multiple challenges that the EU has faced and is facing, the President of the Republic pointed out, among others, the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine after the illegal Russian invasion, which had a serious impact on the EU member states and their economies.
He added that in these challenges, EU Member States stood in solidarity and united.
He also underlined the catalytic role of the President of the European Commission and her firm and capable leadership in dealing with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
Referring to the situation in Ukraine after the illegal Russian invasion, President Christodoulides said: "Cyprus, also a victim of illegal invasion and continued occupation for 50 years, has stood on the right side of history in an irreversible manner," noting that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to stand by Ukraine.
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the President, after noting that this war proved once again that there are no "frozen" conflicts, said: "The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza calls for our immediate response."
Cyprus, as an integral part of the region and the closest EU member state to the region, has been working tirelessly since the beginning of the war to design a maritime corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
I look forward to the visit of the President of the European Commission to Cyprus today, in the context of the opening of the sea corridor," said President Christodoulides, stressing that Mrs Ursula von der Leyen has been a supporter of this Cyprus initiative from the very beginning.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President thanked the EPP for its consistent and strong support for the efforts to reunify the country, and expressed the conviction that "the EU must be the catalytic unifying force for the last divided member state, which, 50 years after the Turkish invasion, is still under occupation."
He also pointed out that: "In the coming months, I count on the support of our wider political family and of course the leadership of the EU institutions in our efforts for a swift resumption of negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem."
Finally, the President of the Republic expressed his support to Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, noting, addressing her, that: "We are proud to stand by you for the next five years."
During her speech at the Summit, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen said, among other things. Nikos Christodoulides, for his leadership in increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and in achieving economic development in Cyprus."
(PM/EAth/GC)
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