On the 9th May 2013, Peter Louca JP, Chairman of Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee of SA (SEKA) attended the Foreign Aid Forum hosted by Steve Georganas MP the Federal Member for Hindmarsh. The guest speaker was the Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Bob Carr.
Peter Louca reports
I had the opportunity to ask him a question about Cyprus after introducing myself and my role. I believe his reply is a positive sign for Australia’s continued efforts in seeking a peaceful, just and last solution to the Cyprus matter.
The question was “As an Australian of Cypriot heritage I appreciate Australia’s long involvement and strong support of Cyprus, especially over the matter of the tragic invasion by Turkish troops and the continued occupation of the island.
Minister my question is can you confirm your Government’s support for a just and lasting resolution to the Cyprus matter in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions?”
The Minister’s reply was well informed. After reflecting on his own experience with constituents in his former NSW electorate of Cypriot backgrounds and ‘watching on with horror’ in 1974. He confirmed the Australian Government’s continued support for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus matter in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. He said the “ongoing settlement negotiations under the UN are the only way forwards”. He said he was “hopeful that a united Cyprus would emerge from these negotiations”. He also referred and used the word invasion on several occasions. Minister Carr affirmed Australia as the longest continuous contributor to peacekeeping police forces on the island.