Peace and justice for Cyprus is a concern of Australia’s, as well as continued support for the naming issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard has told Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Both issues are high on the agenda for Australia as the country is now a member of the UN Security Council for the next two years.
“We wish peace and justice for Cyprus,” the prime minister said, adding, “Australia has demonstrated a long, ongoing commitment to helping to find a solution to the Cyprus dispute and is supporting the work of the UN secretary-general and others to broker a just and permanent settlement”.
“In relation to FYROM, Australia continues to support and encourage the parties concerned to resolve their differences and to support the mediation process led by UN Special Representative Mr Matthew Nimetz. Australia follows UN practice, using the term “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” as a temporary measure, pending resolution between the parties,” Ms Gillard said.
Ms Gillard spoke of Australia’s continuing support for a resolution on the division in Cyprus, that began in 1964 when the country deployed civilian police officers to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, making it the longest continual international contributor to the mission.
In the interview, Ms Gillard explained how Australia avoided sinking into recession during the global financial crisis because of well-timed measures that prevented the creation of fiscal deficits and safeguarded its economy. She spoke about Australia’s ties with Greece and the contribution of the Greek diaspora, about immigration and about the role of the newly established Hellenic-Australian Business Council.
“The Greek community in Australia is a very proud one and as someone from Melbourne – the third largest Greek-speaking city in the world behind Athens and Thessaloniki – I am absolutely aware of the contribution of that community,” she said. Ms Gillard has supported the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria by attending the Lonsdale Street Glendi two years in a row and committing $2million to the redevelopment of the GOCMV’s Cultural Centre. This year, Ms Gillard attended the Greek Independence Day March in Sydney as a special guest of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
“Th community can act as a bridge in helping to forge closer links between our two countries and regions to mutual benefit,” she said stating that she was pleased with the establishment of the Hellenic-Australian Business Council and wishes its every success.
“The activities of the Council will help forge greater links between Greek and Australian businesses, links which can facilitate improved levels of trade and investment between our countries. At present, and despite our very strong community and cultural links, bilateral trade and investment is relatively low. The Council can play an important role in assisting businesses as they look for opportunities in sectors such as shipping, energy and resources, infrastructure, tourism, food and services.”
When asked if migration to Australia by Greek citizens has increased, Ms Gillard responded by stating: “statistics show there has not been any significant change in migration from Greece”.
“Our two countries have strong people-to-people ties and many dual nationals who may travel from one country to the other. Australia’s skilled migration program is open to people of all nationalities with the qualifications and skills in demand in Australia, including from Greece.”
Ms Gillard also noted the strong bilateral ties between both countries due to the hundreds of thousands of Australians who can trace their roots back to Greece, and said through frequent travel between both countries, the ties remain stronger than ever.