Slovakia to continue with UNFICYP

Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic expressed on Thursday the intention of his country to continue contributing willingly to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and to reconciliation efforts.

During a meeting with Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, Gasparovic also expressed satisfaction over the course of bilateral relations, including parliamentary relations.

Christofias pointed out the need for respect of the international and European law in every effort made to improve the standard of living of the Turkish Cypriot community, and expressed his appreciation to the people and government of Slovakia for their support in harsh times and the struggle of the Cypriot people to reunite their country.

He also referred to recent developments in the Cyprus problem in conjunction with the role of the EU.

Christofias and Gasparovic also discussed issues emanating from their countries’ EU membership, and found common views.

They especially referred to the role of smaller member states in deepening European integration and the role of their national parliaments in the democratic control of community decisions, taking into consideration the element of multiculturalism and the concerns and interests of the peoples of Europe.