Cyprus Mail 7 June 2022 - by Anna Savva
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| Demetriou welcomes her counterpart to the House (photo: Christos Theodorides) |
The Cyprus issue and the latest Turkish provocations in Varosha, the situation in Ukraine and Brexit were the focus of a meeting in Nicosia on Tuesday between House president Annita Demetriou and her Irish counterpart Seán Ó Ferghaíl.
The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil Éireann is on an official visit to Cyprus at the head of an Irish parliamentary delegation made up of MPs Brendan Howlin and Ruairí Ó Murchú. His programme on Tuesday included talks with the foreign and interior ministers Ioannis Kasoulides and Nicos Nouris.
He is also set to address the House plenary on Thursday and will travel to Larnaca to address an event for European Shipping Day organised by the Cyprus Institute for the Sea and Shipping in the coastal town. The Irish delegation is also scheduled to meet Famagusta mayor Simos Ioannou and Irish personnel serving with Unficyp.
Welcoming the Irish speaker, Demetriou expressed sadness that the start of his visit had been marked by news of the untimely death of Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou who was known for her ethos, professionalism, hard work and support for the vulnerable.
Ferghaíl expressed condolences on behalf of the Irish parliament.
During the meeting at the House, emphasis was given to the close ties between the two countries based on shared principles and similar characteristics as island states of the EU.
Demetriou expressed gratitude for Ireland’s principled support on the Cyprus issue and its significant contribution to Unficyp.
Regrettably, not only was Turkey’s occupation of north Cyprus continuing for 48 years but Turkey has stepped up its provocations, especially in Varosha, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, she added.
“Our unwavering objective is the return to negotiations to achieve a just and viable solution that will reunite Cyprus in conditions of peace and security to the benefit of all the people of Cyprus, especially our youth,” she added.
Ó Ferghaíl assured of Ireland’s continued support for efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with relevant UN resolutions.
The Irish delegation also expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support on Brexit. On Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both sides stressed the need for a return to the negotiating table as the only way to achieve peace.
Other issues discussed were climate change and increasing the participation of women and young people in political life.
