Georgios Georgantas, Second Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament, stressed the importance of the European Union's participation in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and called for a comprehensive settlement based on European principles and the EU acquis.
Mr Georgantas represented the Greek Parliament at the annual anti-occupation events organised by the Municipality of Famagusta.
According to a statement issued by the Hellenic Parliament, the programme for the municipality's guests began on 31 July with visits to the Presidential Palace and the House of Representatives.
During a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, emphasis was placed on what was described as a critical period for the Cyprus issue.
According to the statement, Mr Christodoulides expressed hope that the UN Secretary-General's commitment to progress, combined with increased EU involvement, could create an opportunity for renewed movement towards a settlement.
In the discussion that followed, Mr Georgantas focused on the role of the EU in the process and on achieving a comprehensive settlement based on European principles and the EU legal framework.
He also referred to the practical support shown to Cyprus, initially by Greece and subsequently by other European countries, following the attack on Akrotiri.
Fitto appointment welcomed
During a separate meeting at the House of Representatives, Speaker Annita Demetriou stressed that the only acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem is one that provides for the evolution, rather than the abolition, of the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr Georgantas also described the appointment of European Commission Vice President Raffaele Fitto as the EU's Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem as a positive development.
Source: CNA
