Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-02-12

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus House President satisfied over Australia visit

[01] Cyprus House President satisfied over Australia visit

Omirou concluded today a seven-day official visit to Australia, heading an inter-party House delegation. This morning the Cypriot delegation attended Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady Theotokos, in Sydney, the seat of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Following Mass, the House President and the members of the delegation met with Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and the community.

In his statements, the President of the House of Representatives thanked the Australian government for its constant support to the Cyprus issue, and noted the understanding on behalf of the Presiding Officers of the countrys federal Parliament as well as the representatives of local parliaments and the executive.

He noted moreover the contribution of the Cypriot and Greek communities in Australia, in promoting national interests and setting the agenda right on the Cyprus issue, as a problem stemming from Turkeys 1974 invasion and continuous occupation.

The message is, Turkey continues to be an expansionist and rapacious state, Omirou said.

He further assured that the Cyprus House of Representatives will maintain close contacts with Australian politicians, the Orthodox Church and the members of the community, to continue the fight for national and social progress.

Archbishop Stylianos thanked from his part the delegation for their visit and expressed his solidarity to the people of Cyprus. There is little one can say about the feelings of every earnest and intelligent human being for what continues to happen in Cyprus in the 21st century, the primate of the Australian Orthodox Church said.

He added that the Greek and Cypriot communities were grateful for the stance of the government of Australia towards Cyprus, and expressed his wish to a more civilized approach towards the Cyprus problem from all involved, on the occasion of the Cypriot EU Presidency, due in the second term of 2012.

The delegation departs today from Australia and is expected to return to Cyprus Monday morning.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article