Photo credit: LES GLASSMAN / youtube.com
The leader of the Russian-speaking community of Cyprus, Dmitry Apraksin, who heads the Coordination Council of Russian Compatriots, is seeking a seat in the European Parliament for the first time in the history of the island state. Dmitry Apraksin’s candidacy was approved at a meeting of the council of the local Active Citizens party, TASS reports.
Dmitry Apraksin noted that a significant number of Russians and Russian-speaking people live in Cyprus, who, if elected, will receive their representative and defender of the interests of the Russian community in the legislative body of the European Union.
He pointed out the importance of the EU being a strong entity with a sovereign policy, and stressed that a reliable and stable neighbor would also be beneficial for Russia in order to avoid conflicts.
Dmitry Apraksin stressed that if elected to parliament, he will defend the political and economic interests of Cyprus, as well as fight all manifestations of discrimination against the country by the EU.
Elections to the European Parliament are scheduled for June, 9; six people from the island state will be vying for parliamentary seats. It is reported that currently about 120,000 Russian and Russian-speaking citizens permanently live in Cyprus.
Russkiy Mir
