The refugee crisis and the situation in the Mediterranean was discussed during a meeting the House President Dimitris Syllouris had on Tuesday with the UNHCR Representative in Cyprus Damtew Dessalegne.
According to a press release issued by the House, Dessalegne pointed out that the political instability in the region creates difficulties in dealing with the situation. He added that the UNHCR office has been operating in Cyprus since 1974 and deals with the humanitarian issue of displaced people. He also referred to the importance of the cooperation his office has with the Cyprus authorities.
Syllouris said that the House stands ready to contribute in any way possible to the efforts made by the UNHCR office. During the meeting the issue of integration and social cohesion of the refugees was also discussed.
Furthermore the two men discussed the Cyprus problem and the current UN-backed negotiations to reunite the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, under a federal roof.
CNA/KCH/GV/2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY