Athens, 11 October 2021

Meeting of President of Hellenic Parliament with President of House of Representatives of Cyprus

The further strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, the developments on the national issue of Cyprus in light of the recent Greek-French agreement, as well as issues that will be discussed at the upcoming Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of the Council of Europe that will be held in Athens, were the subjects that dominated the discussions between the President of the Hellenic Parliament Constantine Tassoulas and the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus Annita Demetriou, who is in Greece on an official visit.

In the statements made after the meeting, the President of the Hellenic Parliament said, inter alia, the following:  

C. Tassoulas: “The national issue of Cyprus is at one of its most difficult turning points. Turkish intransigence and aggression are unprecedented. Nevertheless, the strengthening of relations between Greece and Cyprus, the coordination, which is also served by the presence here of the President of the House of Representatives, are the weapons with which we address the deterioration in Turkey’s behaviour and its refusal to join the dialogue, despite repeated and formal calls by the UN. It is certain that our response to all this misconduct, to all these provocations, to all this aggression is linked to the recent major geopolitical change in our wider region, thanks to the historic agreement between Greece and France. And the strengthening of this strategic relationship between Greece and France is not without significance, nor to the wider interests in Europe, nor to the fair struggle of the Republic of Cyprus.

Our country cares about something that at first glance may seem unresolvable, but is the key to the peaceful existence of all peoples. It cares that the size of the law be transformed into the force of the law. So far, in international relations, the magnitude of the law could not be implemented. It’s not that it could not be expressed – because it was expressed at the annual UN general assemblies -, but it failed to be translated into action and transformed into politics. It is certain that the more this law becomes known, the more people are convinced of it and the more the defence capabilities of our countries are strengthened, the closer the size of the law will be to becoming the force of the law and prevailing.

Turkish provocation and aggression is up against the front of Greece and Cyprus, but it is also up against the understanding and awareness of this serious problem, for Europe and not just for our countries, that the neighbouring country to the East represents. And I am convinced that with our efforts, with our perseverance, yes, our perseverance, because this ordeal is decades-long, the law and the UN resolutions and the EU decisions will prevail and we will be led to a functional solution to Cyprus, to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, without occupation troops, where there will be equality, where the acquis communautaire will prevail and Cyprus, with one citizenship, one sovereignty and one international personality can look forward to and face the future fruitfully”.  

The President of the House of Representatives in turn, said, inter alia, the following:

A. Demetriou: “Cyprus and Greece have a centuries-old common history and this is why our cooperation and like-mindedness is completely expected, but also imperative. We will do everything we can and do our best in our role and mission, to be able, precisely, to serve the law, the European principles and values, to secure the future that we and our children deserve. In this future, no illegal or tactical acts by any third country will be accepted. Human rights and equal opportunities must come first. We will need to address the issue of the environmental crisis in a substantive manner.

The challenges are many, they are common and therefore, the kind of cooperation is necessary that will provide substantive and immediate results, so that we can gain the trust of the citizens, and so that the institutions can fulfill their role, responsibility and mission to the fullest.”

After her meeting with the President of the Hellenic Parliament, the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus was guided around the Parliament’s Exhibition for the 200 years since the Greek Revolution. The President of the Hellenic Parliament accompanied her. Tomorrow, prior to her departure, she will visit the Modern Art Exhibition PORTALS at the former Public Tobacco Factory, a Hellenic Parliament building on Lenorman Avenue.

During her stay in Athens, as a guest of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mrs. Demetriou has scheduled meetings with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, leader and representatives of political parties, the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, members of the Parliament and representatives of social entities.

 

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