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Monday,
26 February 2024 18:00
– 19:30
Dear Mr Mayer,
Dear Ms Svetlova,
Dear Prof Karagiannis,
Dear Harris,
Dear Dr Krug,
Honourable guests,
Dear friends,
We find ourselves, yet again,
in challenging historical moments, in an era of conflicts and uncertainties.
The terrorist attacks of Hamas against Israel last October set off a sequence
of events that have led to the ignition of tension in the Middle East.
Having in mind the war of
Russia against Ukraine that has been ongoing for two years now, this conflict
adds one more layer of complexity to the volatility of the international
geopolitical landscape.
Facts prove that nothing is for
granted. Especially, if we talk about Peace, Stability, Independence, and
territorial integrity. Therefore, the question that arises from the turbulent
situation in our region is one: What do we do as politicians? As states? The
answer is that firstly we need to protect our role. Above all, we need to
protect human rights. Democracy. Our nations. And lead by
example.
But we must act beyond that.
What we have to set as our priority, as an international community, is to
seek solutions, to bring the respect for human dignity back to the forefront
of our objectives. Our duty is to demonstrate determination in our efforts to
reach settlements, even if the roots of a political problem seem to run deep.
The ongoing war is a testament to the fact there are no frozen conflicts in
our world today and that we cannot resign in favour of a status quo; The same
applies to Cyprus.
In the case of the Middle East,
as also in Cyprus, the framework of any solution has long been delineated by
United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and it is only those that may
form the compass for a solution. Allow me to underline, here, our
efforts for the Cyprus issue, always based on International Law. Our duty is
to work for the resumption of negotiations and a solution of bizonal
bicommunal federation with political equality. Every moment counts and there
is no more time to waste. We must strive for a just and viable solution
to the Cyprus problem, in line with the European values and principles and
according to the pertinent Resolutions of the United Nations Security
Council.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The House of Representatives
was the first Parliament to condemn the attacks of October 7th by virtue of a
Resolution adopted on October 12th last year, whereby it expressed its
solidarity to the people and the State of Israel, called for the release of all
hostages and called upon the international community to resume the process
for finding a solution based on United Nations Resolutions.
Cyprus has a principled stance
on this matter from which it cannot deviate; it rejects the displacement of
Palestinians from Gaza. The conditions are currently hardening, we
unfortunately observe that there is food insecurity in Gaza and that
vulnerable people, particularly children, are at risk. Protection of
civilians, women, and girls, de-escalation, ceasefire, and the unhindered
provision of humanitarian aid are thus necessary.
The goal, first and foremost,
must be peace and security. A solution to the problem will also have a
beneficial effect for the wider region and to global peace. One of the most
alarming aspects of the ongoing crisis is the risk of its regionalisation at a
time when we should be working in a spirit of conciliation and cooperation to
prevent further tensions worldwide. The escalating violence severely
undermines peace, having economic repercussions and increased immigration
flows.
In this respect, Cyprus is
strongly committed to play its full role as a pillar of security and
stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and as a bridge
for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the region. Cyprus’
initiative for a one-way maritime corridor to transfer humanitarian aid to
the civilian population in Gaza is a clear example of this and has been
welcomed by the UN and the EU alike. The European Union has a key role to
play. Besides, the EU’s Treaties establish its commitment to promote peace,
security, and progress in the world.
We must remain committed to the
aim of reaching a peaceful, comprehensive, and lasting settlement, based on
two-states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting side by side within
internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant UN Security
Council Resolutions and previous agreements.
Allow me to close by pointing
that the subject matter of today’s Conference is far from theoretical or
academic. It is real and politically charged. Therefore, such events may form
the basis for fruitful discussions, the exchange of views and reflections
that can possibly take us forward. I therefore urge you to approach the issue
to be discussed today with an open mind and the genuine intention to advance
towards a solution within the agreed framework. After all, political will is
what it takes to take bold initiatives, with utmost sensitivity to the
universality of human rights. Thank you very much.
(The text as sent by the House
of Representatives)
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