Cyprus has established an Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) Caucus with the new Ambassador of Israel to the island, Shuli Davidovich, noting that this reflects the continued development of the relationship between the two countries and shows a clear understanding that the bond between the two countries is based not only on diplomatic relations, but on shared values, mutual security interests, and a common vision for a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.
The launch of the cooperation group in the House of Representatives with the Israel Allies Foundation took place on Wednesday at the House of and was attended by former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, DIKO President, Nicolas Papadopoulos, and the Ambassador of the United States of America to Cyprus, John Breslow.
The parliamentary cooperation group comprises two MPs from the Democratic Rally (DISY), George Karoullas and Charalambos Petrides, two MPs from ELAM party, Sotiris Ioannou and Marios Pelekanos and two MPs from the Democratic Party (DIKO), Andreas Apostoloy and Chrysis Pantelides.
In his introductory speech, DIKO MP and Chairman of the Cyprus IAF Chapter, Chrysis Pantelides, said that it is more evident than ever today that building relationships, developing alliances, and strengthening cooperation and communication between like-minded countries is of paramount importance, adding that at the parliamentary level, the development of cooperation within a network of faith-based legislators and within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy is equally important.
‘We are therefore honoured to launch the Cyprus Caucus, composed initially by six MPs out of the 56 members of the Cyprus Parliament, from three out of the six parties of the House, for cooperation with the Israel Allies Foundation Europe. Our initiative stands as a testament to our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation,’ he noted.
Recalling that Cyprus and Israel cooperation dates back to the establishment of the two states in 1960 and 1948 respectively, he said that it has expanded across major sectors such as defence and security, cybersecurity, energy, tourism, healthcare, trade, research, education, agriculture, innovation, and others.
‘Cyprus and Israel have found themselves for decades at the epicentre of threats, conflicts, and instability in the eastern Mediterranean. Thirty seven per cent of Cyprus’ territory remains under Turkish occupation for 52 years, while Israel is constantly targeted by Iran and the terrorist organisations it controls, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which are also supported by Turkey. It is high time we acted,’ he stressed.
‘For 52 years, the Turkish occupation army has maintained an illegal and forceful presence a mere 500 metres from this room. The government of the Republic of Cyprus and the whole Greek-Cypriot community are deeply committed to a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the United Nations resolutions and high-level agreements, a solution which will free Cyprus from the Turkish occupation, allowing Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins, and all lawful residents of the island, including Jews, to live in peace and prosperity within a modern, democratic, European state governed by the rule of law, the Republic of Cyprus,’ he said.
‘I am positive that the Cyprus Caucus of cooperation with the Israel Allies Foundation Europe will contribute significantly to the promotion and accomplishment of the overarching goals of the Foundation’, he concluded.
On her part, the Israeli Ambassador acknowledged in her first public remarks since arriving to the island the steadfast commitment of the government of the Republic of Cyprus to further deepening the Israel-Cyprus relationship.
‘Our bilateral relations have developed significantly in recent years, becoming stronger, more resilient, and increasingly important to both countries,’ she continued, adding that governments lay the foundation, but it is parliamentarians, civil society leaders, faith organisations, and others that help build a structure that lasts for generations.
‘The establishment of the Cyprus IAF Chapter reflects the continued development of the relationship between Israel and Cyprus. It shows a clear understanding that the bond between our countries is based not only on diplomatic relations, but on shared values, mutual security interests, and a common vision for a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean,’ she underlined.
Thanking the House members who have supported the initiative and taken an active role in its establishment, she said that the broad political support for the group reflects the importance attached in Cyprus to strengthening bilateral parliamentary cooperation and the relationship between our countries.
‘Thank you all for your warm welcome to me as I arrived in this beautiful island, and above all for your friendship, partnership, and continued commitment to Israel-Cyprus alliance,’ she concluded.
IAF President, Josh Reinstein, referred to their meeting earlier today with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the support they have been receiving from all of the three main parties in Cyprus as ‘really outstanding’.
Regarding the Cyprus Caucus, he said that it is the 68th in six continents, following the creating of the 67th in Greece, including in total over 1,700 legislators. ‘Our foundation is the reason we see a lot of embassies in Jerusalem today, anti-BDS and anti-Semitism legislation in America and around the world, and even the fact that we have observer status in the African Union can be traced back to faith-based diplomacy, which we work in,’ he commented.
‘But we didn’t come to Greece and Cyprus so late in the game because we didn’t think it was a priority. This is all about timing. We are seeing an unprecedented coming together of the United States, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece in this incredible coalition, and I have to give all the credit to the greatest friend we’ve ever had in the White House, President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump has been a game-changer for the relationship between America and Israel, and a lot of countries are seeing this as an opportunity,’ he further stressed.
‘We are not coming together because of the common threat. We are coming together because of the common heritage and the ability to uplift this region of the world’, he continued, referring to important projects underway, from the underwater fibre optic cable to gas projects, ‘that will make this region a pivotal avenue for both North America and Asia, especially when you add in the IMEC coming from India,’ he added.
‘As some of the nations are faltering in Europe, Cyprus and Greece are standing strong, so we are very thankful to have this alliance. Our blessing and wish is that this will lead to a combination of mutual success for both Cyprus and Israel, and America and Greece, and that we can all celebrate this success in our undivided capital of Jerusalem together,’ he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.