[PIO] The President of the Republic visited the Council of Europe

The President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Christodoulides visited the Council of Europe (CoE) this morning and was received by the new President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE Mr. Theodoros Roussopoulos, the Secretary General (SG) of the CSCE Ms Despina Hadjivassiliou-Chovili and the SG of the CoE Ms Marija Pejcinovic.

Subsequently, the President of the Republic signed the guest book of the CoE and the guest book of the CSCE (Livres d' or).

In the guest book of the CSCE, President Christodoulides wrote the following:

"On the occasion of my address to the CSCE, I reiterate my great respect for this organisation. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with the SG, the President of the CSCE and the President of the National Court of Human Rights (NCHR).

Cyprus has been a member of the CoE since 1961, shortly after its independence in 1960. I assure you of our firm commitment to maintaining our close cooperation with the Council of Europe in its tireless efforts to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

75 years since the establishment of the Council of Europe, the Council remains a beacon for the principles in which we believe. For Cyprus, the role of the Council of Europe in our efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem is vital and for that I am grateful. We remain committed to maintaining the involvement of this organisation in these difficult times and in the challenges we face."

In the CSCE guest book, the President of the Republic wrote the following:

"It is a great honour for me to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, an institution that makes a major contribution to the respect of human rights and the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law in Europe and beyond.

I would like to thank you for this opportunity and wish the new President of the CSCE a fruitful and successful term of office."

The President of the Republic then met with the newly elected President of the CSCE, Mr. Rousopoulos, with whom they discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, the ongoing efforts of our side to resume the talks from where they were interrupted in Crans Montana, regional and international developments, as well as the role played by the CSTO in defending democracy and human rights.

Subsequently, the President of the Republic had separate meetings with the Secretary General of the CoE and with the outgoing President of the CSTO, Mr. Tiny Kox.

(PM/EATH/NYAN)
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