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Honourable Mr President,
Dear Friend, Theodoros
Roussopoulos,
Firstly, please allow me to
congratulate you on your election to the Presidency of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and wish you every success in your
challenging mission. Your extensive and productive political as well as professional
experience in the European as well as in the Greek political scene
undoubtedly serves as the best guarantee for a successful tenure.
Dear outgoing President,
Dear Friend, Tiny Kox,
I sincerely thank you for the
kind and very honorary invitation you extended to me during your visit to
Cyprus last July to address the Parliamentary Assembly, providing me with the
unique opportunity to be here today.
Mr President,
Madam Secretary-General of the
Council of Europe,
Esteemed members of the
Parliamentary Assembly,
Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today I am filled with feelings
of honour and responsibility.
Honour, because less than a
year after my election as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, I have the
privilege to address the PACE.
Responsibility, because as the
President of a small, semi-occupied state, I have the duty and obligation to
stand unwaveringly with those who support substantially and with deeds the
Council of Europe (CoE), an institution closely linked to the defence of
human rights and the establishment of Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe
and beyond.
At the same time, I am here
today to underline in the most emphatic way the absolute need for the
protection and further promotion of multilateralism, because I strongly
believe that it is the only means we have at our disposal to advocate and
ensure the principles and values advocated by the CoE and its Parliamentary
Assembly, but also to address today’s multiple challenges.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The CoE is an integral part of
the ambitious vision of the pioneers of European integration. Awakened by the
horror of the two great world wars and determined to heal the wounds of the
past, they decisively moved forward to create a Europe where freedom and the
rule of law prevail.
Through this political
approach, through this perspective, the CoE has become one of the most
important intergovernmental organisations, at the forefront of promoting and
protecting Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law.
The historic city of
Strasbourg, the CoE and this prestigious venue where we find ourselves today
are familiar to me personally and to most of my compatriots. They are
integral elements of our continuous, joint effort towards further European
integration. They are integral elements of our relentless pursuit for
collaboration and the defence of fundamental, universal principles and
rights, which unfortunately, in some cases, are not guaranteed even
today.
As you are well aware, in my
homeland, Cyprus, for the past 50 years, we have been experiencing the tragic
consequences of the violation of basic human rights and freedoms. Fifty years
after the barbaric Turkish invasion in 1974 in European Cyprus, there is
still occupation, there are still displaced persons, missing persons, and
enclaved persons.
Honourable members,
Unfortunately, once again, at
European and international levels, we are going through a period of multiple
and multi-layered challenges that know no borders or nationalities. Threats
to human rights, peace, democracy and pluralism, the climate crisis, the
increasing migration and refugee flows, terrorism, the religious
fundamentalism, the humanitarian and food crises are just some of the
challenges we are called upon to address today.
In the face of these challenges
and as a consequence of the aforementioned challenges, the role and
importance of multilateralism, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution are
in question. In this context, the role of the CoE, its Parliamentary Assembly,
the role of us all, becomes even more important.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I
strongly believe that the best and most effective response to today's
challenges and threats to multilateralism is its expansion and strengthening
through further and more substantial cooperation among democratic forces and
those intergovernmental organisations that advocate these values.
This, I believe, is the only
means at the disposal of states, at our disposal, for the defence of peace,
security, and prosperity in the European continent. Our guide in this
endeavour must be our shared vision for the future we want for ourselves, for
our fellow citizens, and most importantly, for our children and the next
generations.
In this effort, Dear Friends,
undoubtedly, a leading role is played by all of you, the members of the PACE.
Here, the democratic dialogue among the elected representatives of the 46
members of the CoE is actively promoted with deeds and not words, making this
temple of democracy an irreplaceable bridge for consultation and cooperation
among the people of Europe.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The vision of peace,
pluralistic democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law that led
to the establishment of the CoE has never been more pertinent.
We are witnessing a growing
attempted erosion of rules based on international order, rising nationalism,
violations of human rights, including the freedom of expression, the right to
education and religious rights.
In the area of gender equality,
following decades of steady progress, a backlash against women’s rights has
emerged, resulting in further persisting inequalities. At the same time,
violence against women in all its forms is rising, whilst sexual, health and
reproductive rights of women are also being increasingly infringed upon.
Furthermore, social inequality is growing and must be addressed to mitigate
the consequences of current social and economic challenges.
Let me be clear and underline
once more; there can be no complacency on protecting and upholding freedom
and human rights in Europe.
Τhe CoE’s leadership is crucial
in preventing these violations and safeguarding, inter alia, gender equality,
women’s rights, the right to education and social equality. These should
always be at the core of its policy priorities, using the legally binding
tools at its disposal, such as the European Social Charter, the Convention on
Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, the
European Cultural Convention, and crucially the European Convention on Human
Rights and its protocols.
The European Court of Human
Rights (ECHR) is an indispensable shield in our fight to uphold human rights,
rule of law and democracy. As the prime body of overseeing Convention
compliance, the Court is playing a catalytic role through its judgments in
this regard. It stands as a sacred guardian of human rights in our continent,
supporting our democracies and enhancing governance.
In this regard, states have a
collective and unconditional obligation to fully adhere and implement the
Court's final judgments. Full and non-discriminatory implementation of all
judgments of the ECHR is an essential component of our efforts. Systematic non-compliance
with the Court’s judgments poses a serious threat to the Court's authority,
the Convention’s effectiveness, and the Council’s credibility, and by
extension to rule of law, democracy, human rights. It is deeply regrettable,
Ladies and Gentlemen, that a large number of the Court’s judgments on human
rights violations are still not implemented in full, or even not at all, due
to lack of political will. One such judgment is the 4th Interstate
Case Cyprus vs Turkey, in which Ankara, as with many other cases, has failed
to date to comply.
Mr President,
Esteemed members of the
Parliamentary Assembly,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the ruins and darkness of
World War II, grew a glimmer of hope and light. Multilateralism became the
driver for peace and the CoE, as well as the United Nations (UN) and the
European Union (EU), rose as vehicles and catalysts of cooperation and of upholding
common values so that the world would never again relive the horrors of war
that ravaged Europe and beyond.
Despite the progress achieved,
seventy-five years since the establishment of the CoE, multilateralism is
facing dire challenges. Yet again, in Europe and beyond, we are witnessing
suffering from terrifying wars and horrendous atrocities.
In Europe, the illegal Russian
invasion of Ukraine demonstrated that peace in Europe – and indeed the world
– can never be taken for granted. From the outset of the war, Cyprus
condemned Russian aggression towards Ukraine, which has led to some 10 million
Ukrainians displaced and refugees. From the very beginning, Cyprus has stood
in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We reiterate our
unequivocal support to Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity
within its internationally recognised borders. And in doing so, Ladies and
Gentlemen, we stand on the right side of history.
We ought to be unequivocal in
our message; we will never allow border changes stemming from violence and
war. It is a matter of principle, of upholding international legality and the
core tenets of the UN Charter. The threats to Europe and the world will not
be deterred if we do not act decisively and in unity. It is our collective
responsibility to uphold, no matter the cost, international legality.
Diplomacy is key to this end.
We need to focus our attention on ending the hostilities and ensuring lasting
peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of international law and the UN
Charter.
Ladies and
Gentlemen,
It is becoming painfully
evident that there are no “frozen conflicts” and that in the absence of
viable, comprehensive solution, the risk of eruption of conflict, with far
reaching consequences, is real.
The current war in the Middle
East, Cyprus’ and Europe’s immediate region, proves this point. The unfolding
war is a litmus test for us all, not only for regional stability, but for
peace and security on a global scale.
From the very beginning, we
have condemned Hamas’ heinous terrorist attacks on October 7, which led to
the resurgence of the current cycle of violence. Terrorism is a threat to all
of us. At the same time, we should also be clear that Hamas does not represent
the Palestinian people, nor the Palestinian cause. While the drama of the
hostages continues, we firmly believe that the unconditional and immediate
release of all the hostages is key to ending the crisis.
At the same time, while fully
acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defence in line with international law,
including international humanitarian law, I emphasise in the strongest terms
that all civilians and civilian infrastructures must be fully protected. A
tragedy with far reaching effects is evolving. We mourn the loss so many
people. Our priority must continue to be the protection and the end of the
suffering of so many innocent lives.
The only way forward is
ensuring that there is a peace lifeline that emerges out of this war, and
that means reviving the Middle East Peace Process, on the basis of a
two-state solution, as reflected in the UN resolutions. In doing so, the EU,
together with like-minded partners, such as the United Kingdom and the United
States, as well as our Arab regional partners, must be a core part of such a
strategic discussion on the basis of the Peace Day Initiative. I truly
believe that this is the only guarantee for ensuring conditions of lasting
peace, security and dignity, equally for Israelis and Palestinians alike, as
well as preventing a wider multifront spillover.
At the same time, given the
tremendous humanitarian needs of Gaza, Cyprus, the closest EU member state in
the region with excellent relations with all neighbouring countries, has put
forward a comprehensive initiative for a one-way maritime corridor, the
Amalthea Plan. The Cyprus Maritime Corridor Initiative provides for a
complementary route to existing and future routes for humanitarian assistance
to be delivered for the civilians in Gaza, and I am very pleased that we have
recently set the corridor in motion. It remains at the disposal of the
international community for contributing to a sustainable, high volume and
secured flow of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Dear friends,
In another region, in
Nagorno-Karabakh, we have become witnesses to yet another humanitarian
crisis, affecting tens of thousands of people. This acute humanitarian crisis
has turned into a mass exodus of the Armenian population from the region. We
need to take all necessary measures to provide immediate humanitarian relief
and also address the long-term situation of the ethnic Armenians of
Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, the increased and immediate needs of
Armenia, stemming from the events of last September, should be properly and
adequately addressed.
Cyprus supports the
normalisation and the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the
framework of EU mediation, which will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term
stability and prosperity of the wider region. Any incentives to facilitate
and encourage such development should be balanced, and carefully planned and
implemented.
Dear friends,
The aforementioned crises and
tragedies clearly illustrate that prolonged political stalemates should not
be treated with complacency. The absence of diplomacy and dialogue can breed
cycles of perpetual violence with catastrophic repercussions.
It is a reality that there are
no “frozen conflicts.” As I have mentioned, the vacuum created by the absence
of viable, lasting peace becomes a fertile ground for crises. This is
something we know very well in my country. Human rights in Cyprus remain an
unfulfilled promise for all Cypriots, as a result of the illegal invasion of
Turkey in 1974 and the continued occupation.
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, 50 years of continued, illegal
occupation. Five decades of division, continuous violations of fundamental
freedoms and basic human rights on the European continent cannot
continue.
Always, but especially in
anniversaries such as this, my thoughts are constantly with the hundreds of
thousands of Cypriots who were displaced and year after year wait for the
moment that they will return to their homes. They are with the families of
the missing persons that desperately seek for information on the fate of
their loved ones. They are with the enclaved that stoically await for the end
of division.
These are all matters that fall
within your mandate to be informed of, but also your responsibility to act
upon, via resolutions of the Parliamentary Assembly and via judgments of the
Court. We support and aspire to these actions as they greatly reinforce our
efforts to restore respect for the human rights of all Cypriots.
Dear Friends,
It is high time for peace. All
Cypriots – Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins – deserve
the same human rights and fundamental freedoms as all other Europeans. They
deserve to prosper in a reunified country, member state of the European
Union, where their human rights and fundamental freedoms are safeguarded and
upheld.
As the first President of the
Republic of Cyprus born just a few months before the 1974 Turkish invasion
and growing up in de-facto divided Cyprus, my vision and utmost priority is
to reunify my country and its people, so that we can all live in conditions
of peace, security and prosperity. I have been actively pursuing this vision
since the first day that I assumed my duties and I want to reassure you here
today that I will continue to do so with determination and courage.
I am committed to reaching a
solution for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as
prescribed in the relevant UN Security Council Resolution. This is the only
viable path ahead.
In this regard, I welcome the
recent appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Ms
María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, and aspire for her contribution in resuming
negotiations on the basis prescribed by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,
and from where they were interrupted at Crans-Montana in 2017.
Ensuring a conducive
surrounding environment is also imperative. Regrettably, on the ground, we
continue to be faced with successive provocations and violations as well as
attempts of incursion by the Turkish occupation forces into the Buffer Zone
in a number of areas. We have responded to these challenges with calm and
restraint, while taking all action to ensure that the status of the Buffer
Zone is safeguarded. Our focus remains to chart a positive way forward and we
are even more determined to this perspective.
Dear friends,
I stand today before you,
asking for your support and tangible contribution as we strive for
peace.
The CoE in general and the
Parliamentary Assembly in particular have the political legitimacy to
actively contribute to our efforts both to ensure there is a conducive
environment, and in our efforts for a comprehensive settlement.
One such example is the report
of the member of the Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Piero Fassino, regarding
Varosha which is under preparation. It is of utmost importance that we remain
vigilant, that any move other than the transfer of the area to the administration
of the UN constitutes a violation of the relevant UN Security Council
Resolutions, including 550 of 1984 and 789 of 1992.
In this regard, the CoE’s
report offers a unique opportunity to convey the urgency of the matter and
the need to respect international legality and the territorial integrity of
the Republic of Cyprus, and to call for the restoration of the property rights
of the displaced inhabitants, as recognised by the ECHR in the case of Cyprus
vs Turkey.
Esteemed members of the
Parliamentary Assembly,
The sole answer to the
challenges we face is collective, multilateral action. The institutions that
are drivers of such action must be able to adapt and respond to challenges so
as to effectively address them. In fact, during the 4th Summit in
Iceland, we reaffirmed our steadfast support to multilateralism, and we also
committed to engage in regular high-level dialogue with member states and
partners in order to strengthen the “Reykjavik Principles for Democracy”.
This should continue to be our main focus in order to collectively and
effectively face these common challenges.
In closing, I would like once
again to warmly congratulate you on the important and extremely valuable work
that you perform here in the Assembly.
This year marks 75 years since
the foundation of the CoE. 75 years since its establishment, the CoE remains
our lighthouse. We ought to learn from the past, but also from ongoing
crises, in order to build a better future for the next generations, based on
peace and prosperity. At this critical juncture, it is imperative for all of
us to take a step back, rethink about how we envision our future in this
continent, and how the institutional framework can be more an effective
vehicle to achieve our vision.
On my end, I can assure you
that Cyprus remains firmly committed to its responsibilities and obligations
and will do everything in its power to preserve and promote the fundamental
values of the CoE. We remain committed to maintain and enhance the relevance
of this vital organisation.
The Republic of Cyprus will
always stand on the right side of history and by the Council’s side in its
tireless efforts for the protection of Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule
of Law.
Thank you.
(RM/EL/MS/AP/GS/NG/TT)
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