Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II awarded today three EU officials with the the gold medal of Apostle Paul, the highest honorary distinction of the Archbishopric of Cyprus.
During a special ceremony that took place in Nicosia in the Archbishopric, Archbishop Chrysostomos II awarded EU Commissioner for Rural Policy Corina Cretu, and members of the European Parliament Renate Sommer and Reimer Boge with the highest honorary distinction of the Church of Cyprus for their remarkable commitment and their struggle for the high ideals of the EU, which, as he said, are in line with those of the Republic of Cyprus.
The three EU officials expressed their commitment towards the achievement of a just and viable solution in Cyprus, under the UN auspices, but also their admiration for the people of Cyprus, wishing them to soon live in a reunified country.
Referring to EU Commissioner Cretu, the Archbishop praised her struggle for the respect of the EU values which as a result could lead to the restoration of justice in Cyprus, as he said.
Replying, Cretu noted the commitment of the European Commission towards a solution in Cyprus and praised the Cypriot government`s efforts towards the achievement of that goal.
The Archbishop also spoke about the two MEPs, noting that Sommer follows the Cyprus issue closely and feels the pain and the injustice on the island, while Boge, he said, is engaged in issues regarding the Committee of Missing Persons and the protection of the cultural and religious heritage in Cyprus.
Sommer replied by saying that the Cyprus issue is Turkey`s main obstacle in its EU course, noting that the problem of Cyprus must be solved. She pledged to continue contributing towards this direction.
MEP Boge said he considers Cyprus to be his second homeland, noting that he wants to contribute to the achievement of peace and prosperity on the island.
CNA/AAG/AAR/GV/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY