[PIO] The Speaker of the House of Representatives received the Archbishop of America

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Anita Demetriou, received today the Archbishop of America, Mr. Mr. Elpidophoros was accompanied by the Supreme President of the American-Hellenic Educational Progressive Organization AHEPA, Mr. Savvas Tsivikos and other officials as well as priests of the Holy Archdiocese of America.

Welcoming the Archbishop of America, the Speaker of the House of Representatives underlined the importance of His Eminence's visit to Cyprus, in the context of the events for the black anniversaries of 1974 and the annual world conference of AHEPA. The survival of the Cypriot Hellenism in Cyprus, Demetriou pointed out, depends on the unity and joint efforts of Hellenes everywhere for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the agreed framework for a solution, a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, as envisaged by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Noting, among other things, that Cyprus is the first country in terms of population in terms of illegal and irregular migrant arrivals, the Speaker of the Parliament stressed that the rise of the migrant problem is also due to Turkey's instrumentalization of the situation.

The Archbishop of America expressed feelings of emotion for his visit to the martyred island of Cyprus and underlined the support of the Holy Archdiocese of America for the long-lasting and continuous efforts of the Republic of Cyprus for the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of Cyprus. He stressed that the Diaspora in the US always has its eyes on Cyprus and with the assistance of AHEPA, supports in many ways the ongoing struggle of the Cypriot people.

During the meeting, views were also exchanged on the dangers of the spread of hate speech and extremism. It was pointed out that these issues are serious threats to democracy, the rule of law and institutions such as parliaments and churches. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect these institutions and to support the truth, regardless of the cost, against populism and fake news, she stressed.

(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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