President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted on Monday “the importance of full implementation of the European Court of Human Rights’ decisions, both in relation to Ukraine and Cyprus” in his meeting with Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary General Alain Berset in Nicosia.
Commenting on the meeting, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said: “Particular emphasis was placed on the decisive role of the Court, which ensures the implementation of the fundamental rights of all individuals.”
On an official visit to the island, Berset met with the President and House President, and was taken on a tour of Nicosia’s Green Line by the city’s mayor Charalambos Prountzos.
President Nikos Anastasiades and Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos
The CoE Secretary General wrote in the municipality’s guest book: “My visit to Nicosia is a strong reminder of the importance of dialogue, reconciliation and peace."
He added that the Council of Europe “stands with all those working to overcome division and to build bridges of understanding, tolerance and coexistence. I extend my warm thanks to President Christodoulides for his commitment to these values.”
According to the government spokesperson, Christodoulides underlined to Berset the importance attached to promoting a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN Security Council resolutions. He also highlighted the issue of refugees, missing persons and “the unacceptable detention of the five Greek Cypriots by the occupying regime, as vivid reminders of the ongoing violation of human rights in our country”.
The two officials expressed their shared commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the preservation of European values, said Letymbiotis.
The Republic of Cyprus has been “a proud member of the Council of Europe since 1961”, said the spokesperson, adding that the CoE is considered “a vital partner in defending the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law”.
