President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou received on Tuesday children of refugees living in Cyprus, originating from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, and Somalia.

Addressing the children, Omirou wished them a happy and creative new year, on behalf of all the members of the parliament.

Omirou said the children could consider Cyprus as a home, noting that the people of Cyprus wanted to support them in any way possible.

“We know you are facing serious problems, we know you did not want to leave from your countries, your homelands”, he said, adding that “conditions of comfortable living must be secured, without the fear of insecurity and uncertainty for the future, until there are safe conditions for your return to your countries or other destination you will choose, which will offer conditions of safety and stability”.

Eighteen-year-old Sizan Aldeen, from Iraq, who has been living in Cyprus with his family for the past ten years, speaking on behalf of the children, wished Omirou and the people of Cyprus a happy new year, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet and talk about their problems.

He also thanked the people of Cyprus for their hospitality and the hope they have given the refugees.

Omirou gave the children vouchers for Public shop. A reception followed, during which the children talked with the House President about the problems they are facing.