House president pledges unity of executive and legislature (Updated)

President Nikos Christodoulides met House president Annita Demetriou on Friday, though a discussion on co-operation between the executive and the legislature was eclipsed by the tragedy in Greece which has seen its worse train disaster.

The two pledged to build a strong cooperation and maintain a constructive dialogue, as part of their joint efforts to produce sound legislation.

Christodoulides also aired a suggestion of visiting parliament once a year, to which Demetriou responded they had to figure out how this could be done as there were constitutional matters at hand.

Demetriou wished Christodoulides all the best for his presidency. “Of course, everything has been overshadowed by the tragic developments and the news of the death of the two Cypriots.”

Institutionally, “we must go on” and legislative matters will be addressed, she added.

Demetriou expressed her certainty that the executive and legislative bodies would have a strong cooperation that would benefit the good of the people.

“All of Cyprus grieves and so does Greece,” she added.

The two Cypriot students who were on board the train were confirmed dead shortly before the meeting at the presidential palace.

Christodoulides said moments like these highlighted why it was important to take as much action as possible to avoid such incidents.

“It is a terrible day for all of us.”