Hariri from Cyprus: EU Has Moral Responsibility to Dissuade Israel from Escalating Racist Policies
Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in Cyprus Thursday for talks with President Dimitris Christofias.
An official welcoming ceremony was held at the presidential palace for Hariri and the accompanying delegation -- Foreign Minister Ali al-Shami, Information Minister Tareq Mitri and advisor Hani Hammoud.
Talks between Hariri and the Cypriot President focused on the latest regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in various areas.
At the end of the talks, Christofias and Hariri held a joint press conference.
"The Republic of Cyprus is bound by long-lasting bonds and excellent relations with Lebanon. This is due to our geographical proximity, the similar mentality of our people and the fact that both our countries have been facing challenges since their establishment," said the Cypriot president.
"We express our support and the hope that the present (Lebanese) government will succeed in leading the country and its people into a new era of peace, stability and prosperity. This would have a positive impact on all the peoples of the region," he added.
For his part, Hariri said: "I stressed to the president the crucial role that Cyprus can play as an EU member state that borders the Middle East and that truly understands the region and its sensitivities -- a country that truly understands the cost of instability and turmoil."
"Today the region stands at a critical juncture, either it heads towards peace or it will face a regional war. In these difficult times, the region needs real statesmen. Statesmen who have the capability of learning from the past and providing a better future for all the people of the Middle East," Hariri added.
"In achieving all this, we find a true partner in Cyprus, a country that can help spur the European Union to assume a more leading role in the Middle East Peace Process."
Hariri thanked Christofias for Cyprus' "symbolic but important role in UNIFIL, which is playing a crucial role in safeguarding peace and security in Southern Lebanon."
"The EU has a moral responsibility to dissuade Israel from escalating its racist and discriminating policies with the new citizenship laws," Hariri noted.
Later Thursday, Hariri will meet the President of the Parliament Marios Garoyan in a protocol visit.
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