receiving the Representative of the Republic of…

 

His Beatitude Patriarch John X received Mrs. Thessaly Salina Chiapu, the Special Representative of the Republic of Cyprus for Religious Freedom in the Middle East, accompanied by Mr. Michael Hadjikirou, the Cypriot Ambassador to Damascus and the accompanying delegation, at the Patriarchate in Damascus.

Mrs. Chiapu conveyed to His Beatitude the love and greetings of the Cypriot President, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and his appreciation for the role of the Antiochian Patriarchate in the new events in Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East in general. In turn, His Beatitude sent his affection and prayers to the Cypriot President, the Church, and the people of Cyprus, who have deep-rooted ties with the Church of Antioch. The discussion revolved around the transitional phase in Syria now and the role of the Republic of Cyprus during this delicate phase in supporting political efforts in the right direction. On the one hand, to achieve the desired goals by preserving the rights of all Syrians on the basis of human dignity and equality, guaranteed by a free democratic constitution drafted by all national components. On the other hand, Syria is to receive humanitarian aids to alleviate the difficult circumstances that burden the Syrian citizen by lifting economic sanctions and providing relief at various levels. The importance of electing a new president in Lebanon was also emphasized, in a way to secure the regular functions of its constitutional institutions and supporting Lebanon’s progress in all aspects to continue on the path of recovery and preserve the country and the dignity of its citizens. The meeting was concluded with the hope that peace would prevail in the Middle East, so that its peoples would enjoy calm, prosperity and quietude.