President Nikos Christodoulides and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, will discuss the five Greek Cypriots being held "hostage" in the north today during an official visit to the island.
According to a Presidency statement, Christodoulides welcomed Berset to the Presidential Palace on Monday morning, noting that Cyprus attaches great importance to the Council of Europe, and to the importance of implementing decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.
He added that among the issues to be discussed today are the five Greek Cypriots who are being held "hostage" in the north, the Cyprus problem-related issues, such as missing persons and property, but also issues related to Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Middle East.
For his part, Berset said he and the president are in complete agreement, noting that the rule of law and democracy must prevail and human rights must be protected.
These are collective commitments of the Council of Europe, he said. The Secretary General highlighted the very strong role played by the Republic of Cyprus in the Council of Europe, noting that Cyprus' support is greatly appreciated.
Christodoulides and Berset were also due to visit the Nicosia Municipality, and walk along the Green Line later in the day.
