-
.
- Ελληνικά
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs.Anita Demetriou met today with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Mrs.Urška Klakočar Zupančič, in the framework of her official visit to Cyprus, following an invitation by Mrs.Demetriou. Mrs Klakočar Zupančič is leading a delegation, consisting of MPs Dušan Stojanovič and Iva Dimic, President and Member, respectively, of the Slovenian-Cypriot Friendship Group in the Slovenian Parliament. The delegation is accompanied by the Ambassador of Slovenia to Cyprus, based in Athens, Ms Tamara Weingerl Požar and senior officials of the Slovenian PA.
Welcoming her Slovenian counterpart, the President of the Parliament noted that the visit to Cyprus of Mrs Klakočar Zupančič demonstrates the importance that the two countries attach to the further strengthening of relations and cooperation between them, based on common principles and their similar characteristics as small Mediterranean Member States of the European Union, at all levels. He made special reference to the parliamentary dimension. Demetriou stressed that the visit of the first female President of the Slovenian National Assembly sends strong messages of unity and solidarity on the important role of women political leaders in addressing the current complex challenges, but also on the need for further empowerment of women and their greater representation in political life.
The President expressed her sincere thanks for Slovenia's principled stand and steadfast support, particularly during its current term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, regarding the Cyprus problem and efforts to resolve it. Noting that this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Turkish invasion, Demetriou stressed that time counts against the solution. The Speaker expressed hope that the appointment of a personal envoy of the UN Secretary General will lead to the resumption of negotiations to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, and stressed that the Turkish claim for a "two-state" solution will never be accepted, as it would be tantamount to legitimizing the Turkish invasion and continued occupation. We must remain committed to our common principles and the same determination must be shown by the international community in all cases of violations of international law and human rights, be it in Ukraine, Cyprus, Nagorno Karabakh or Gaza.
Referring in particular to the escalation of violence in the Middle East, Demetriou noted that Cyprus condemns all forms of terrorism, in this case the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel on 7 October. She also stressed that the Republic of Cyprus, as the closest EU Member State to the region, immediately declared its readiness to provide all possible assistance to Gaza, including the initiative to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor. Highlighting the lack of a rapid response and a single line in the EU, Demetriou stressed the need for clear messages from the Union.
The President of the Slovenian National Assembly described Slovenia and Cyprus as natural allies. Mrs. Klakočar Zupančič expressed the wish that the mission of Mrs. Holguín Cuéllar lead to finding common ground for the resumption of talks and reaffirmed her country's principled position and support for the effort to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, which would end the unacceptable division of Cyprus for decades and ensure the protection of the basic human rights of all Cypriots. In this regard, he noted Slovenia's contribution, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, to the unanimous approval by the House of the extension of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, as well as its decision to deploy a contingent to UNFICYP within 2024.
The President of the National Assembly of Slovenia noted Cyprus' pivotal role in the region and welcomed Cyprus' readiness to provide all possible assistance to Gaza. Klakočar Zupančič stressed that the EU must maintain a clear stance and not send "mixed" messages that further divide the peoples of the region. The two Presidents stressed the urgent need for de-escalation, immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumption of talks to reach a political solution in the Middle East. Underlining the importance of the role of women political leaders in the field of peace and security, they stressed their intention to take initiatives and joint actions, within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, in this direction.
During the meeting, they also discussed issues of common interest, such as the need to protect against fake news and hate speech in social media, especially for women and young people, and stressed that this issue should be regulated at EU level. Views were also exchanged on the prospects for further strengthening Slovenian-Cypriot cooperation in areas of common interest, namely the economy, tourism with reference to the need for air links between the two countries, digital technology and information technology, beekeeping and culture.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
