Our goal is none other than for Cyprus to be a pillar of security and stability in a wider volatile region, President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou said on Thursday, addressing the 5th Cyprus Forum in Nicosia. She said that strengthening further the democratic legislative and institutional framework could be the answer at a moment when we keep on questioning the democratic values and institutions. According to the House President, through collaborations and unity we can face the crises before us. She also said that substantial initiatives and legislative reforms, such as local government reform, could be the response to chronic weaknesses in the state sector. Demetriou also added that in a democracy there are never "dead ends" and it is up to us to see how we could make those amendments that are important to be able to avoid demagogic approaches. She said in her address that our goal is to support every initiative to de-escalate the crisis in the Middle East and every initiative that will bring us one step closer to the liberation and reunification of our country. The House President also said that understanding the expectations, concerns and perspective of the Turkish Cypriot community on developments at home and abroad is the core of the Cyprus problem, especially in the post-solution era, but also the prospects for creating conditions of real peace and unity. Demetriou expressed satisfaction for the upcoming meeting between the leaders of the two communities with the UN Secretary General in New York, adding that linking the real will of the Greek Cypriot side will lead one step closer to the goal, which is none other than the agreed framework for a solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. She also pointed out that time works at our expense adding that together we can serve justice, peace and modernize the institutions. Cyprus Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Cyprus News Agency is the media sponsor of the Cyprus Forum. Source: Cyprus News Agency