Cypriot MPs address the 24th CFSP and CSDP Interparliamentary Conference

The works of the 24th Interparliamentary Conference on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) have wrapped in Bruges, with the participation of Cypriot MPs.

The Conference took place on 3 - 5 March as part of the parliamentary dimension of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).

According to a House press release, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and head of the Cypriot delegation, Harris Georgiades, speaking during a discussion on the enlargement of the EU, expressed support to this policy, underlining that its importance lies in the process of reforms and adaptation of the countries under accession, that must continue to be, as he pointed out, a condition for their accession.

Georgiades noted that the Europeanisation of the candidate countries would be a real success of the enlargement policy, as well as their transformation into really liberal democracies and their alignment with the EU's foreign policy. Countries that violate human rights and align in the foreign policy area with Putin and Hamas, cannot be accepted in the EU, he added.

Also taking the floor in the context of a debate on the situation in the Middle East, Harris Georgiades underlined the need for more EU involvement in the region, where significant threats to security and stability, including terrorism, illegal immigration and the obstruction of maritime trade routes, stem from the existence of many failed states, as he noted. He also underlined that calls to Israel for a cease-fire must be made in parallel with the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages and an end to Hezbollah attacks, noting that a two-state solution cannot be achieved in the Middle East, as long as extremist forces dominate the region.

In the context of a discussion on the priorities and current developments in the fields of CFSP and CSDP, member of the Parliament Alekos Tryfonides pointed out that in order for the EU to deal with conflicts and achieve the goal of becoming an international security factor, to effectively protect citizens, to promote common principles and values and to defend its interests, it is necessary to develop appropriate security structures, as well as adequate resources and operational capabilities.

At the same time, there needs to be, as he pointed out, a common vision that will lead to a common stance on key foreign policy issues, which will enable rapid EU action to address security challenges. Tryfonides also emphasized that the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East region should be a priority for the EU and called for collective responsibility, with a strengthened European presence in the region.

Speaking during a discussion on the provision of support to Ukraine, in response to the Russian invasion, MP Alexandra Attalides emphasized that the effects of the war continue to be devastating for Ukraine, Europe and the world and, at the same time, she noted that in view of the elections in Russia, Putin's threats, including the one for the use of nuclear weapons, are increasing. In this regard, she underlined the importance of maintaining the EU's united position vis-à-vis Russia and protecting the Union's principles and values, as well as focusing on supporting Ukraine's European path in order to fulfill the criteria and conditions for membership.

Attalides expressed her unwavering solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine, stressing that Cyprus is also a victim of invasion and occupation by a foreign country and understands the importance of continuous messages of undivided solidarity and unconditional international support. She also expressed hope that the Ukrainian refugees that Cyprus hosts will soon return to a free Ukraine.

(Source: CNA)