Athens, 20 July 2023

1st Vice-President of Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis attends events marking 49 years since Turkish invasion

 

The two-day commemorative events for the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which are held on the 19th and 20thof July attends in Cyprus the 1st Vice-President Ioannis Plakiotakis representing the Hellenic Parliament.

Mr Plakiotakis met with the President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, during which he reaffirmed Greece's unreserved support and assistance to Cyprus in its efforts to achieve a just and viable solution on the Cyprus issue, without deviating from international and European law. The vindication of the struggle for the reunification and restoration of the integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus, he stressed, is a constant priority and a national duty.

Mrs Demetriou stressed that the presence of the 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament on this tragic anniversary for Cyprus and its people, apart from its important symbolism, gives a strong message of unity and solidarity between Greece and Cyprus in the struggle for justice, on the basis of international Law and the European principles and values.

Thereafter, issues of mutual interest were discussed, such as the progress on national issues and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting national policies. Particular reference was made to the migration issue and the need for it to be addressed in a collective manner, on the basis of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibilities between the Member States of the European Union. 

During his stay in Cyprus, the 1st Vice-President attended the memorial service at the ELDYK (Hellenic Force in Cyprus) Memorial, where he laid a wreath, the memorial service at the Tomb of Makedonitissa (Macedonian Woman) and the memorial service for those who lost their lives during the Turkish invasion at the Cathedral of Apostolos Varnavas.

Delivering a short speech during a prayer ceremony for finding Missing Persons at the Memorial area “Panorama of Missing Persons” at Pyrga, Larnaca, he reiterated to the families of missing persons his commitment to keep up endeavours for investigating the fate of their beloved and bring to light historical truth by any means possible.

Mr Plakiotakis emphasised that for all Greek parliamentary political parties, the end of the Turkish occupation in Cyprus is a constant concern and a top national priority, stressing that the Hellenic Parliament members join their voice with the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus in all international and European fora towards reaching a  comprehensive solution and settlement of the Cyprus issue, moreover calling upon the European Union and the international community to work decisively in this direction.

The 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament also had a briefing session with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees, Enclaved, Missing and War-stricken persons Nikos Kettiros, on the work of the Committee; moreover, he met with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs Haris Georgiadis, during which views were exchanged on ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two parliaments.

Tonight, the 1st Vice President will attend the event solemnly commemorating the 1974 coup d' état and the Turkish invasion at the Presidential Palace.

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