“We aim for a successful resolution of the Cyprus issue, knowing that it will be very beneficial not only for Cyprus, but also for the Eastern Mediterranean and the entire Europe,” stated Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, at the conclusion of the discussion late Wednesday in the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg. The topic of the discussion was “51 years since the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus: condemnation of the ongoing Turkish occupation and support for the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive solution in accordance with international law, UNSC resolutions, EU principles, and acquis.” The debate involved Members of the European Parliament who addressed Turkey’s impunity, the need for measures and pressure as Cyprus is facing division.
This discussion, which was on the agenda of the Parliament’s final plenary session for this year, was initiated by Cypriot MEPs.
During the debate, Commissioner Sikela reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, “within the framework of the UN and in accordance with international law and UNSC resolutions, as well as on the basis of the principles that constitute the foundation of the EU”.
He then reminded of the EU leaders’ decisions at the April 2024 Council, noting that they emphasised the importance of the issue concerning both the relations between the EU and Turkey and the significant role of the Cyprus problem in EU-Turkey relations.
Sikela expressed hope that the multilateral meeting in July will yield positive results, while assuring that the EU intends to continue using all available tools. In this context, he referred to the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, highlighting that he reports directly to the President of the European Commission. “This underscores the European Commission’s commitment to the reunification of Cyprus,” he noted.
“We seek a successful resolution of the Cyprus issue, knowing that it will be very beneficial not only for Cyprus but also for the Eastern Mediterranean and the entire Europe,” he said, adding that “a successful reintegration, involving all Cypriots through a process led by the UN, will serve as a lesson for other parts of the world”.
During the debate, representatives of each political group in the European Parliament, including MEPs from Cyprus and Greece made remarks.
Loucas Fourlas, representing the Democratic Rally – EPP, stated that for 51 years, Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus remains unpunished, along with colonization, rapes by the Turkish army, executions, and displacement. “The list of Turkey’s crimes against my country is huge and endless. What is coming to an end is our patience and tolerance. Because what is happening is complicity,” he said.
Costas Mavrides, representing the Democratic Party and the Social Democratic group, said that 51 years after the brutal Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, “the fundamental rights of the European citizens of Cyprus are flagrantly violated to this day by Turkey. The EU remains the only prospect for a just solution that guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus”, he concluded.
Geadis Geadis, MEP of ELAM and the Conservative group, said that among the crimes of the Turkish invasion are ethnic cleansing, murders, violent expulsion of populations, missing persons, prisoners of war, hostages, colonization, usurpation, torture, rapes, and desecration of religious heritage.
Giorgos Georgiou, MEP of AKEL and the Left group, stated that 51 years ago, “a fascist coup and Turkey’s invasion took place, all methodically coordinated by NATO,” and that today “the nightmarish division is before us,” with Tayip Erdogan and Ersin Tatar demanding a separate state in the north. He noted that if Europe wishes, it can help within the framework of EU-Turkey relations “to break the deadlock, restart substantive negotiations, and find a solution based on the UN resolutions and EU acquis, with political equality and a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation”.
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Featured photo source: Oliver Hoslet/EPA-EFE
Source: Giannoukou Eva – CNA
