New Ambassador of France stresses Cyprus’ important role in the region
New Ambassador of France to Cyprus, Clélia Chevrier-Kolacko has stressed Cyprus’ important role as a pillar of stability in the region, in a period of great turmoil in the Middle East.
The French Ambassador was received Wednesday in Nicosia by President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou. At the meeting, they reaffirmed the excellent level of the Cyprus-France relations, that are based on common principles and their common Euro-Mediterranean identity, and underlined the prospects of further strengthening their cooperation in areas of common interest.
The President of the House of Representatives thanked France for the principled stance and firm support as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council and as a member state of the European Union, regarding the Cyprus problem and its efforts to reach a solution.
She expressed disappointment for the fact that there was no positive development at the United Nations General Assembly and reaffirmed the Greek Cypriot side’s commitment t
o the goal of resuming talks to achieve a just and viable solution, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, based on the relevant UN Resolutions.
Regarding developments in the region, Demetriou expressed deep concern for the situation in the Middle East and Lebanon, pointing out that a possible further escalation will bring chain reactions and have a very negative impact in the entire region, in terms of security, economy, energy, and with regard to the humanitarian aspect and the increased migration flows, to which Cyprus is particularly exposed.
Cyprus, Demetriou stressed, has exceeded its capacity to receive asylum seekers, given the large number of irregular immigrants who cross the Green Line from the Turkish occupied territories.
She underlined the need for a unified and faster reaction of the European Union with regard to developments in the region, as well as the need for solidarity and an equal distribution of responsibilities between EU member states, especially towards the first host c
ountries.
On her part, Chevrier-Kolacko noted the important role that Cyprus plays as a pillar of stability in a period of great turmoil in the Middle East.
She said she understands the disproportionate migratory pressures in Cyprus, pointing out that France is making every effort and assisting in the resettlement of migrants from Cyprus, whose large number, however, is making the situation more complicated.
During the meeting, they both expressed common desire for regular communication and having a close cooperation between the House of Representatives and the Embassy of France to further promote relations and exchanges at the level of the parliaments of the two countries.
Source: Cyprus News Agency