november 10, 2014

Visit in Cyprus

The EPIO Nicosia invited the Chair of the EP PETI Committee Cecilia Wikstrom to participate as a key speaker at the Round Table discussion ”Citizens’ Rights in the EU and the role of the EP Petitions Committee”. Journalists and stakeholders in the field of human rights, environmental rights and Cypriots who have submitted petitions were invited to participate at the discussion. During her visit to Cyprus, MEP Wikstrom held meetings with the Cyprus Ombudswoman, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and EU issues, the Greek Cypriot Negotiator for the solution of the Cyprus Problem and the Archbishop of Cyprus. She also heard the views of a group of migrants from Syria and Iran who discussed issues relating to migration and their status in Cyprus.

The visit of MEP Cecilia Wikstrom to Cyprus and the Round Table ”Citizens’ Rights in the EU and the role of the EP Petitions Committee” received ample and positive coverage by all type of media sources highlighting that the EP PETI Committee is the only direct link of citizens to the EU institutions. During her visit she gave interviews to major Cypriot media including MEGA TV, Phileleftheros and Cyprus News Agency.

Politis uses the title EP PETI Committee: At the service of all EU citizens and notes that MEP Wikstrom underlined that we, politicians, are looked upon as different species but we are here to serve and not to rule, adding that the EP Petitions Committee is the only direct link to the EU institution and that it aims to limit the gap between active citizens and politician. MEP Wikstrom pledge on citizens’ rights by Cyprus Weekly underlines that according to MEP Wikstrom the committee does not serve as a court and cannot overturn a court judgment. Although its decisions are non-binding on member states, the committee’s involvement has in past led to compliance at national level. Wikstrom: We are here to serve the citizens by Sigmalive stresses that MEP Wikstrom said that the MEPs and the politicians in general, are here to serve and not to rule, adding that there is a need to bridge the gap between the elected ones and the citizens, pointing out that this applies to local and national level. The EP Petitions Committee is the ”unifying link” says Cecilia Wikstrom by Financial Mirror notes that MEP Wikstrom said during the discussion that we need to enhance the trust between the citizens and the authorities, adding that if you don`t like your politicians, then fire them, you have the politicians you deserve.

In the interview with MEGA TV, MEP Wikstrom stressed that Turkish violations in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) should end, asserting that the EU failed to handle the Cyprus problem at the European level. She also referred to Turkey, stating that the occupation of European territory by a “third country” is unacceptable adding that the return of Famagusta to its rightful residents is the key for the solution of the Cyprus problem. MEP Wikstrom: We are not here to command but to serve citizens by ant1.com.cy underlines that MEP Wikstrom also discussed the issues of Famagusta, environmental issues in the Karpaz and Akamas and LGTB rights. Turkish activities violate International Law by Politis notes that MEP Wikstrom underlined the importance of the cultural heritage of Cyprus for Europe, while describing the island as an open museum.

An interview to Phileleftheros is to be published on Sunday