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- Ελληνικά
The President of the Republic participated in the International Conference on Peace, which took place in Egypt. The Conference, which was convened by the President of Egypt, Mr Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, was held at a particularly critical time for the region, given the unfolding crisis and the future of the Middle East settlement process.
During his intervention, the President of the Republic of Cyprus said that the Republic of Cyprus is participating in the Conference as a neighbouring country and as an EU Member State closest to the region, which maintains excellent relations with the neighbouring states, and the developments in the Middle East concern and directly affect it. President Christodoulides added that the stated intention and will of the Republic of Cyprus is to contribute in every possible way to de-escalate the crisis and provide humanitarian assistance.
The President stressed the need to find viable solutions to the complex and ongoing challenges facing our region. He also stressed that terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region and the Republic of Cyprus has unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October. He pointed out that Hamas does not represent the entire Palestinian people nor the aspirations of the Palestinian Authority. President Christodoulides added that he recognizes Israel's right to self-defense which must be exercised in accordance with international law. It is imperative, the President said, to achieve a permanent de-escalation of the crisis. The protection of all civilians, the unconditional release of all hostages and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza are essential components of this. Finally, President Christodoulides underlined the need to reaffirm the necessity of resolving the Middle East conflict on the basis of a two-state solution in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and that it is clear from the latest developments that we have no choice but to create the conditions for the resumption of the peace process leading to permanent peace.
The International Peace Conference was attended by leaders of countries and organisations from around the world, including from the Middle East and the Gulf, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and elsewhere, as well as the UN Secretary General, the President of the European Council and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
After the conclusion of the Peace Summit, the President of the Republic will travel to Israel tonight where he will hold a meeting with the President as well as the Prime Minister of Israel.
President Christodoulides will convey messages on the need to de-escalate the crisis affecting our region and to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Finally, the President will once again stress the need to avoid civilian casualties on all sides and to start a political dialogue that will lead to the creation of a horizon for the resolution of the Middle East.
MM/IS
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