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- Ελληνικά
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Anita Demetriou met today with the President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic, in the framework of his official visit to Cyprus. Mr Milatović was accompanied by the Ambassador of Montenegro to Cyprus, Ms Ana Vukadinovic, and senior officials. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Montenegro (based in Belgrade) Mr. Andreas Fotiou was also present at the meeting. Milatović, the President of the Parliament underlined the historical importance of the first visit of the President of Montenegro to Cyprus, which, as she noted, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms as a result of Turkey's illegal occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. The President of the Parliament expressed appreciation for Montenegro's principled stance on the Cyprus problem and for the country's participation in UNFICYP. Demetriou underlined our side's commitment to the goal of achieving a just and viable solution that reunites Cyprus, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Turkish demand for a "two-state" solution will never be accepted, Ms Demetriou stressed, noting the need for Turkey to understand the benefits that will result from the reunification of Cyprus and to cooperate in this direction.
The President reaffirmed Cyprus' support for Montenegro's European perspective, stressing that the enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans will have multiple benefits for both the Member States and the countries of the region and will consolidate the leading role of the EU. In this context, Demetriou expressed the readiness of the House of Representatives to further strengthen cooperation with the Parliament of Montenegro and to provide all possible assistance to the country's accession process, in particular through the provision of expertise.
The Speaker of the Parliament referred to the migration issue and the increasing pressure on Cyprus as a frontline country, stressing the need to accelerate the pace and intensify efforts on the part of the EU to implement the new Pact on Immigration and Asylum and to ensure the necessary solidarity between Member States.
The President of Montenegro reaffirmed Montenegro's principled position on the Cyprus problem and his country's support for efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and noted Montenegro's participation in UNFICYP as indicative of the country's commitment to the goal of peace and the principled international order. Milatovic also expressed appreciation for the support of the Republic of Cyprus to the European course of Montenegro. Noting his country's high performance in the required reforms, Milatovic said that Montenegro's main goal is the successful completion of its accession process, in order for the EU to send a message of recognition and reward to the countries of the region for their efforts.
Regarding the crisis in the Middle East, the need for de-escalation, an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in order to achieve peace and stability in this turbulent region was underlined.
Finally, a common will was expressed to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Montenegro and between the two Parliaments in areas of mutual interest.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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