Greece-Cyprus Interior Ministers discuss issues of mutual concern

Reforms concerning Local Authorities and illegal immigration were the focus of a meeting here today between Cyprus Interior Minister Christos Patsalides and his Greek counterpart Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

In statements after the meeting, Pavlopoulos said that “Cyprus has already undertaken to reform Local Authorities with regard to infrastructure and personnel and on that we are exchanging experiences.”

This exchange of expertise, he added, will be further enhanced through joint cooperation.

On illegal immigration, Pavlopoulos said that this is a hot issue at present which concerns both countries.

“This problem must be tackled taking into consideration human rights concerns, in line with Europe norms and our civilisation, in addition to democratic principles,” he added.

The Cypriot Minister said he was pleased with the excellent relations between the two Ministries and thanked Pavlopoulos for the help given to Cyprus by the Greek Minister as regards issues of Local Authorities, adding that Cyprus is trying to improve these institutions.

Patsalides said illegal immigration was a very serious issue for Cyprus and stressed the need for a common position within Europe.

He said that problems arising from illegal immigration must be dealth with by all EU members and not just those on the external borders of the Union.

“We need more help and solidarity from other states. European policy on these issues must also be reinforced,” Patsalides said.

The two ministers also referred to the help Cyprus has been giving to Greece, after the devastating fires last August.