With 45 votes in favor, the Plenary Session of the House of Representatives passed a bill to amend the Law on the Pan-Cyprian Refugee Union, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Association in the event of the president’s absence or incapacity, as well as in the event that the position becomes vacant.
The bill was introduced by DISY Member of Parliament George Lysandridis, on behalf of the party’s parliamentary group, and provides for the amendment of paragraph (1) of Article 12 so that, in the above cases, the vice president of the Central Council of the Pan-Cyprian Refugee Union (PEP) may convene its meetings.
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According to the rapporteur, the amendment was deemed necessary following a delay in the appointment of a new president, following the vacancy of the position, which highlighted the need for a clear procedure to avoid similar problems in the future.
Speaking before the Plenary, Mr. Lysandridis described the amendment as a simple provision intended to address such situations. He also referred to the informal agreement and practice that had existed, under which the president of the PEP was appointed by the largest parliamentary party, expressing the hope that this past practice would be reinstated.
DIKO MP Zacharias Koulias stated that he would support the bill, noting, however, that during the discussion of such issues, the relevant agencies should also be present to hear the MPs’ comments. In fact, he called for a letter to be sent to the agencies to ensure their presence during parliamentary debates.
Alma Litsa Drousiotou, a Member of Parliament from the Alma movement, stated that she agrees with the proposed regulation, as the functioning of the PEP had been paralyzed in the past.
AKEL MP Aristos Damianou also intervened in the debate, commenting that he sees his DIKO colleagues “are gradually getting on the right track and acting as an opposition.” Mr. Koulias replied that he would take the observation seriously in considering future course of action.
Source: CNA
