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Οmirou: Appreciation for Australia’s Support

House President Yiannakis Omirou expressed in Melbourne Cyprus’ appreciation for the continuous support of the government and political parties of Australia to the struggle of the Cypriot people to reach a just Cyprus solution.

Omirou, heading an inter-party delegation of the Cyprus House of Representatives, while on an official visit to Australia, addressed this evening (local time) members of the Cypriot and Greek communities of Melbourne.

Omirou also praised the members of the community for their contribution in the effort to restitute the fundamental freedoms and human rights of the Cypriot people, adding that they are a valuable part of the wider Greek Cypriot community.

Speaking on developments concerning the Cyprus issue, Omirou said Turkey’s intransigent stance was intensifying, a fact which, he noted, also became obvious during the last meeting at Greentree, New York, between Cyprus President, the UN Secretary-General and the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Omirou said that Ankara has yet to fulfill its obligations towards Cyprus, by recognizing the Republic of Cyprus, permitting Cypriot vessels and aircrafts to use the Turkish waters and airspace, and by working towards a Cyprus solution, based on EU principles.

Moreover, he noted Turkey’s “provocative stance” vis-a-vis the upcoming Cyprus’ Presidency of the European Council during the second half of 2012. EU partners should send a message to Ankara, making clear that this cannot be tolerated, Omirou said.

He added that the Cyprus EU Presidency is a major challenge for the Republic, and noted that the state, the Parliament and the civil society are all working towards this aim.

Having all lights turned on Cyprus during the six-month Presidency term will also help raise awareness on the Turkish occupation of part of the country, Omirou went on.

Concerning the recent discovery of hydrocarbon resources in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, Omirou said it was turning the odds in favor of Cyprus, adding to the island’s geostrategic importance, with possible positive repercussions for a Cyprus solution.

While responding to questions by members of Melbourne’s Cypriot Community, the House President noted that all parliamentary parties in Cyprus were struggling for attaining unity in the domestic front, and for reaching consensus, to the extend possible, as regards the Cyprus problem.

On the recent criticism towards Alexander Downer, the UN SG Special Advisor on Cyprus and an Australian native, Omirou clarified that the issue should not be confused with Australia’s continuous support to the Republic of Cyprus, based on the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and European law.

Downer recently came under severe criticism for saying that the Greek Cypriots instead of the Republic of Cyprus – a fully-fledged EU member since 2004 – will hold the six monthly rotating presidency of the EU Council, in the second half of 2012. Downer has since rectified his remarks.

The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution, stressing its grave concern and disappointment over the unacceptable statements and actions of the Special Advisor, following the Greentree meeting last January, and noted that Downer had compromised the credibility and impartiality required by his role.

Omirou said that Downer, in his capacity as a UN top envoy in Cyprus, was not representing the Australian government. The House resolution, he went on, was aiming to send a message to the UN Secretary-General to address the issue.

Omirou and the House delegation ware welcomed by a crowd of Melbourne’s and Victoria’s Cypriot and Greek communities, in the presence of High Commissioner of the Republic Yiannis Iacovou, Australian MP Maria Vamvakinou and others.

Earlier, the President of the House and the delegation visited the “Grace of Mary” elderly hostel, in Epping and met with Cypriots from Melbourne’s northern suburbs. In commemorating the House delegation visit, Omirou planted an olive tree in the charitable establishment’s forecourt.
(source: cna)

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