“The presence of the President of the Cypriot Republic in the Parliament of the Greeks is a living confirmation of the inextricable links that connect Greece and Cyprus, with shared memories, struggles and sacrifices.”
With these words, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis welcomed to the Greek Parliament the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who is officially visiting Athens at his invitation.
It is worth noting that the atmosphere was particularly warm and emotional during the speech of Mr Nikos Christodoulides, in the presence of many MPs from all parliamentary groups.
The purpose of the visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus was to exchange views and reflect on the common national objectives regarding the promotion of stability in the wider Greece-Cyprus region as well as on the course of the work of the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union in the coming six months.
Nikos Christodoulides addressed the Plenary Session of the Greek Parliament for the first time in 16 years by the former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Independence of Cyprus.
In his speech, Nikitas Kaklamanis stressed that Greece and Cyprus constitute “an unshakable point of reference” in an environment of international uncertainty and geopolitical upheavals, noting the importance of cooperation and commitment to the principles of democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
He made a special reference to the role of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Union, noting that the exercise of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. “demonstrates the role of Cyprus as a bridge of cooperation in the wider region“, while praising the responsibility and foresight with which it carries out its duties.
The President of the Parliament reiterated Greece’s firm position on the Cyprus problem, stressing that “Greece has been, is and will be firmly on the side of the Republic of Cyprus“, supporting a just, viable and functional solution on the basis of the UN resolutions and the European acquis.
He also stressed that “52 years now, an occupying army has been holding a European Union country cut in two,” noting that there can be no solution without the full withdrawal of occupying troops and the abolition of anachronistic systems of guarantees and interventionist third party rights.
He also referred to the value of parliamentary diplomacy for the international promotion of the Cyprus issue, noting that the Hellenic Parliament is using every opportunity to highlight an issue that “is a prime example of a violation of international law“.
In a personal tone, Nikitas Kaklamanis reiterated that “the relationship between Greece and Cyprus is based on consistency, honesty and long-standing trust“, while assuring that he will continue “from this position, but also as an ordinary citizen, to proclaim the just demand for the removal of the long-standing injustice against the Megalonissos“.
He concluded by stressing that “Cyprus is not only an ally for us, but a brotherly people“, expressing confidence that Greece and Cyprus will continue to walk together “with faith in common values, perspective and unity“.
For his part, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, addressing the Greek Parliament, said with emotion that the “honored columns of our monuments in Cyprus and Greece are engraved with the names of the heroes who fell in the glorious struggles from ancient times until today“. He continued: “All these heroes are the joints that uniteour common struggles, our common values and our common visions, which, according to Herodotus, make up our national identity and our consciousness: the homonym, the homoglosson, the homothreskon and the homotropon“.
Mr. Christodoulides, describing the actions being taken regarding the resolution of the Cyprus issue, noted: “We are working tirelessly to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the agreed UN framework, the negotiating acquis and, of course, the principles, values and law of the EU.”
As the President of the Republic of Cyprus said, there is an ongoing effort to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, “on the basis of the agreed UN framework, the negotiating acquis and of course the principles, values and law of the EU“, adding that Greece in this effort “remains the most consistent and selfless ally. And I would like once again to express our gratitude for the support over the years.”
He also recalled “the substantial contribution of the Hellenic Parliament, which had made it clear to everyone through a resolution that it would not ratify the enlargement of the European Union if it did not include the Republic of Cyprus“. “This position of the Greek Parliament was a catalyst for the achievement of the major national objective of the Republic of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union,” he said.
Then Mr. Christodoulides referred to Greece’s recent defence assistance to Cyprus, noting that “the immediate response of the Greek government to our request for strengthening our defence capabilities was the precursor for the creation of an unprecedented wave of solidarity in practice by other European countries. And I would like once again to thank the Prime Minister for his practical assistance.”
“Cyprus-Greece relations are passing the best point they have ever reached, as a result of the methodical, absolutely sincere and effective cooperation we are developing on a number of issues, with full respect for any disagreements and/or different approaches” the President of the Republic of Cyprus said.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus was received at the Parliament by the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. N. Kaklamanis, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The meeting was attended by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Mr.The Archbishop of Athens and the Archbishop of Athens, Archbishop Ieronymos, former President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, former Prime Ministers Loukas Papademos and Antonis Samaras, and former Speakers of the Parliament Evangelos Meimarakis and Byron Polydoras. The event was also attended by members of the cabinet, presidents and members of the parties of the Greek Parliament.
After the arrival of Mr. N. Christodoulides at the airport “El. Venizelos airport, he was greeted by the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Ioannis Plakiotakis, while the Second Deputy Speaker, Mr. George Georgantas greeted him on his way to the airport.
