The Cyprus problem is a European issue and Europe must respond to it in a European way, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said addressing the Plenary session in Strasbourg Wednesday afternoon, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus and the continuous occupation of the country’s northern territory. Cypriot MEPs then addressed the Plenary on the same subject as well.

“This week, the European Parliament commemorates 50 sad years since the events of 20 July 1974 in Cyprus, the consequences of which are still being felt today”, she said.

Metsola stressed that divisions have no place in our Europe. “That is why it is important to emphasise that this forced division of an EU Member State is not a Cyprus issue, but a European one and we must respond to it in a European way”.

She noted that in her first ever address as President of EP, she emphasised that Cyprus is not a forgotten corner of the EU, something she reiterated yesterday when she was reelected. “The European Union has been forged out of the painful history of our continent. Where there was once war, pain and bloodshed there are now meetings held in the spirit of cooperation”, she underlined.

Metsola noted that Europe has the power to heal. “The responsibility lies on us to use this experience to bring people together, to work towards a single sovereign, European, State. A bi-communal, bi-zonal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions, Council conclusions and EU values”.

She added that on the occasion of this tragic anniversary, this Parliament’s message is that it will not turn away from Cyprus. “We are one. Cyprus’ challenges are our challenges, and Europe will never be whole while Cyprus remains divided”, she concluded.