The significance of efforts in formulating common positions on issues of common interest, on the basis of international principles and values, is highlighted in a joint declaration adopted by the Presidents of the European Small States’ Parliaments, on Tuesday, at the end of their 4th Conference that was held in Nicosia.
In statements during a press conference, Cyprus House President Marios Garoyian described the 4th meeting as “very substantial”, noting that they had a very useful discussion. “I am thoroughly satisfied with the results of this very significant conference which has become a tradition”, he said.
The contribution of the small states of Europe, he said, “should be highlighted worldwide because the principles, values and ideals which they serve with so much dedication, are very clear”.
Referring to their common positions in the declaration, Garoyian said that the small states stress the significance of “efforts in formulating common positions on issues of common interest, on the basis of international principles and values”, adding that “we believe that the illegal influx of illegal immigrants in the small states of Europe, despite the wide difference in numbers at each state, is an unprecedented provocation”.
All, he said, “repeat their solidarity, especially towards Malta and Cyprus which face disproportionate numbers of illegal immigrants and asylum applicants”.
They all acknowledge the problem which the Republic of Cyprus is facing due to the result of the continuing unacceptable division of the country, due to the Turkish occupation of the island’s northern part, he added.
Garoyian said that they all acknowledge the need for stability as regards the economies of the small European states, boosting their economic activity and safeguarding social cohesion, including welfare to the more vulnerable groups of the population and emphasis on education and the environment.
He also said they all share the view that developing closer cooperation among small European states to handle the economic crisis and to further promote their economic development is desirable, feasible and beneficial, and suggest further exchange of views on this issue at the next conferences.
Garoyian said that as regards human rights and international law, “we condemn all cases of violation of international law, including foreign invasion and occupation”.
They stress their clear commitment to the world values of peace and democracy, respect of human rights and international law because “these alone are the only guarantee for a safer and more secure world”, he said.
Asked how effective small European states can be on the question of Cyprus, Luxembourg’s President of the Chamber of Deputies, Laurent Mosar, said that small states are represented almost everywhere, stressing that Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jan Claude Juncker was one of the candidates for the EU presidency recently “so small states can play a dominant role”, he remarked.
He also said that small European countries can set the example and “we can be credible since we don’t have strategic stakes. If we speak and vote in the same manner, we will be strong”, he said, noting that nine of the small states are members of the Council of Europe and together they have 40 votes, many more than France and Germany.
The Cypriot House President said that Luxembourg has undertaken to host the 5th conference of the small states of Europe while Malta and Andorra both expressed interest to host the 2011 meeting.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island’s territory.
