France is standing by the people of Cyprus, House of Representatives President Yiannakis Omirou said after a meeting with French Senate President Jean Pierre Bel.
The meeting took place within the framework of Omirou’s visit to France.
According to an official statement, Omirou said he was very satisfied with his meeting with the French Senate President. He said a constructive meeting and exchange of views took place and that he developed his views on the economic situation in Cyprus and Europe, as well as the need to change direction. “We were on the same wave length with the President because we have a common concern to overcome the one-sided austerity policies and strict fiscal discipline and replace them with development, creation of new jobs and social cohesion and solidarity,” he added.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, Omirou said that Turkey must be persuaded from our European partners to comply with its obligations towards Cyprus, otherwise there cannot be any optimistic prospects for a solution.
France, said Omirou, is a country which was always standing by the people of Cyprus, as a permanent member of the Security Council, and during our accession to the European Union and this continues to be the firm and unwavering position of France. I was assured by the President that the fervent support to the Cyprus positions will continue and through the new conditions that are being made to find a Cyprus solution”.
The House President also informed Bel on Turkey’s violation of Cyprus’ sovereign rights at its exclusive economic zone and that this is a great opportunity for Cyprus and the region. Omirou said the French Senate President shares the same views.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
Peace talks are expected to start soon, after the two sides reached a joint declaration that outlines the basic provisions for a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country under a federal roof.