-
.
- Ελληνικά
The clearest message to Cyprus and to the whole world that the EU remains committed to this island, and that the Cyprus problem is also a European problem, was sent today by the President of the European Parliament Mrs Roberta Metsola, who is paying an official visit to Cyprus on the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, at the invitation of the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.
In the morning, Mrs Metsola, accompanied by her husband, arrived at the Presidential Palace, where they were received by the President of the Republic and his wife, while a military contingent paid their respects.
The EU Anthem and the National Anthem of the Republic of Cyprus were played and then Mrs Metsola laid a wreath at the statue of the National Lord Makarios III.
The two Presidents then had a private meeting and later made statements to the media.
In his statements the President of the Republic said: "I am particularly pleased to host the friendly President of the European Parliament in Cyprus today. I am delighted not only because we have had another opportunity to meet and discuss issues on the European agenda - this is already our third official meeting and there have been many informal ones - but also because the President's presence here today, on the 63rd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, has its own special significance and sends its own multiple messages.
Particularly in the current geopolitical context, where for almost two years now war has reappeared on our continent, in particular with the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the most basic principles of the UN Charter, the principles and values of the EU are being violated on a daily basis, It is important - and I believe that the President's presence also sends this message - for the international community to be reminded that in the south-eastern tip of Europe, too, there has been a problem of invasion and occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for almost half a century.
The President of the European Parliament, one of the institutions of the European Union, the most important, since it is essentially the voice of European citizens and acts as co-legislator of European legislation, with her visit to Cyprus and her presence here for the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, sends a strong message in all directions that the Republic of Cyprus is not alone.
At the same time, the President's presence here today sends the message of the EU's continued support for our efforts to break the deadlock, resume talks and resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and in accordance with EU principles and values. I have said it before and I will not tire of repeating it: the current state of affairs cannot be the solution to the Cyprus problem, it cannot be the future of our country. That is why we will continue our efforts, always with the support of our European family, to achieve the much-needed reunification of our country and to guarantee the European citizens of the Republic of Cyprus conditions of security and prosperity. After all, it is well known that dear Roberta, an admittedly very successful and popular President of the European Parliament, is a strong supporter of our efforts to reunite our country.
As expected, we also discussed the Cyprus issue today, where I had the opportunity to brief the President on the results of my contacts in New York, on our efforts to appoint an envoy of the UN Secretary General in response to the UN Security Council's call for the appointment of a representative to explore the prospects for a resumption of talks.
Despite the problems, difficulties and challenges, our efforts will continue and we will do everything possible, also making use of the important tools offered by the EU, to achieve the objective of resuming the talks and finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
In addition to the Cyprus issue, we discussed the migration issue, you understand its importance for all Member States, it will also be on the agenda of the two European Councils in October, the informal one in Granada on 6/10 and the regular one in Brussels on 26-27/10.
Cyprus has been receiving the highest number of asylum seekers in proportion to its population in recent years and, despite the measures we have taken recently which have led to a reduction in the number of migrants coming to Cyprus, clearly more needs to be done on the part of the EU. In this context, we hope that the Pact on Immigration and Asylum will be adopted by the European Parliament as soon as possible and will work constructively to reach a comprehensive agreement that will allow for a more effective management of migration.
The other important issue we discussed was the 2024 European elections, which will take place next June. We agreed on the need to take initiatives in all EU Member States to revive the interest of European citizens in this important electoral process, taking into account the role of the European Parliament, which is constantly being strengthened. And it is a common objective to attract as many young and young voters as possible. The future of the EU is our young people, that is where our focus will be, and we hope that the elections will see as much participation from young people as possible. I hope that the President's schedule will allow her another visit to Cyprus, so that together we can participate in events aimed at attracting as much interest as possible to participate in the European elections."
In conclusion, the President thanked Mrs Metsola for her presence, noting that it is something that the Cypriot people recognise.
For her part, Mrs Metsola said, among other things, that the anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus marks the modern, democratic and independent course of the country in history, the successes and achievements of its people, but also recalls the tragedies that the country has experienced for 63 years.
The President of the European Parliament also pointed out the following: "I want to send a message of strength, hope, unity and endurance by celebrating the independence of Cyprus and to pay tribute to all those who made sacrifices for the liberation and autonomy of the country and for the strengthening of its democratic institutions.
It is no coincidence that I am here on Independence Day. I want to send the clearest message to Cyprus and to the whole world that the EU remains committed to this island, that the Cyprus problem is also a European problem.
Europe will never be complete as long as Cyprus remains divided.This is what I told the UN Secretary General ten days ago in a meeting I had with him in New York, underlining our support for the appointment of a UN envoy.
The only way to reunite the island and its people is through the communication of diplomacy and negotiation.
Any unilateral, hostile actions will further alienate people. We want talks to resume on the basis of trust, not violence. Unnecessary provocations do not help at all."
He added that the only viable solution is a sovereign European state, a bi-communal bizonal federation under the auspices of the United Nations and on the basis of European values.
He also underlined that the European Parliament will do everything possible to support Cyprus.
On the issue of migration, Ms Metsola noted that both Cyprus and its neighbouring countries have been receiving a dramatically increased number of migrants in recent years, noting that Europe must manage the issue as a whole, and no member state should manage it alone.
He noted that the issue should be managed in a humanitarian and fair way for those in need and in a strict way for traffickers.
Finally, he referred to the great importance of the European elections for the future of Europe and for each individual state.
(PM/MB)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
