The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, will attend tomorrow, 8 September, the Paris International Conference on the victims of attacks and abuses on ethnic or religious grounds in the Middle East, which is held under the auspices of the Governments of France and Jordan. The International Conference will discuss three Priorities, as identified during the relevant session of the UN Security Council last March.

Minister Kasoulides will be the Rapporteur of the roundtable discussion on the Priority on the importance of inclusive political solutions, respectful of human rights for all people regardless of their ethnic background or religious affiliation, and the need to preserve the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity of the Middle East. During his own intervention, Minister Kasoulides will focus on the importance of preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the Middle East, also on the basis of relevant experiences of Cyprus.

The other two Priorities to be addressed at the Conference are, firstly, the response to the immediate needs of the populations at risk, preparing and facilitating the safe, voluntary and enduring return of displaced people, and secondly, the accountability for the perpetrators of crimes committed against populations on ethnic or religious grounds.

Minister Kasoulides will return to Cyprus on 9 September.