As long as Cyprus is divided, Europe will never be complete, emphasized the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in her statements this morning at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, together with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, with whom he had talks before he addresses the Plenary of the House.
Ms. Metsola said that “you are not alone in your desire to see your island reunited” and underlined that “the only way forward is to have a sovereign European state, a bi-communal, bizonal federation in accordance with Security Council resolutions of United States”.
He said that the Cyprus issue is not only a Cyprus issue, but is also a European issue. He added that an increased involvement of the EU at all stages of the negotiations could be helpful, while noting that it is clear that the solution must be found within the framework of the UN and that the EU, through a suitably qualified envoy, it can help give a new impetus to the negotiations so that they can resume.
For his part, President Christodoulidis said in his statements that with regard to the Cyprus issue “we are making every possible effort in order to resume negotiations”.
“I look forward to the support of the European Parliament. The EU can play a leading role in our efforts to restart the negotiations”, he underlined, thanking Mrs. Metsola for her interest and clear positions on the Cyprus issue.
In her statements, Ms. Metsola mentioned that they have already met four times previously with President Christodoulidis since he assumed his duties, which “is a clear indication of the European Parliament’s dedication to the priorities of Cyprus, as well as your commitment”. .
He said that he will repeat it as many times as necessary that “as long as Cyprus is divided, Europe will never be complete”.
“You are not alone in your desire to see your island reunited under the auspices of the UN peace plan,” he added.
He mentioned that they discussed immigration, a challenge that does not concern Cyprus only, as he said. He said that he knows that Cyprus faces this challenge and added that it is clear that no member state can manage migration flows alone and that is why the important agreement on new migration regulations is very good news.
Ms Metsola said that the European Parliament adopted its position in May. “We are ready to start negotiations and we can and must make progress. After seven years of deadlock we owe it to all our citizens, asylum seekers and all our partners around the world because the EU needs to have a policy on migration and asylum,” he pointed out.
He added that “we can protect our borders and find an approach that is fair, that is humane to those who need protection, that is strong against those who are not beneficiaries, and that is strong against traffickers who exploit the most vulnerable ».
President Christodoulidis said in his remarks that he is looking forward to their next meeting in Cyprus for the start of the campaign for the European elections which are very important for all member states but especially for Cyprus, bearing in mind that the preparation for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU begins .
He noted that they had a substantial discussion, while regarding the Cyprus issue he stated that “we are making every possible effort in order for the negotiations to resume and I look forward to the support of the European Parliament”.
He noted that the EU can play a leading role in our efforts to restart negotiations and thanked Ms. Metsola for her interest and clear positions on the Cyprus issue.
He said they discussed immigration, issues of mutual interest, next year’s European elections and that it was a great honor for him to be here 100 days after taking office.
Answering a question whether the EU can be the one to change the facts in the Cyprus issue (game changer) and how this can be done, as well as whether the proposal of President Christodoulidis can succeed given the position of the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Ernogan, during his conversation with the President of the European Council Charles Michel, that he wishes to continue Turkey’s accession process, Ms. Metsola said that the Cyprus problem is not only a Cyprus issue, it is also a European issue.
“I believe that an increased involvement of the EU at all stages of the negotiations can only be helpful, especially as any solution must be properly aligned with the European acquis. It is certainly clear that the solution must be found within the framework of the UN, and the EU potentially through a suitably qualified envoy can help give a new impetus to the negotiations so that they can resume,” he said.
He said that the resumption of negotiations should be our first step and our first priority.
He added that he would not comment on what was said in specific cases, underlining at the same time that “the only way forward is to have a sovereign European state, a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council”.
He said that we must also keep in mind that Cyprus joined the EU as a whole and has the need and the reason for the EU’s involvement.
President Christodoulidis stated in response to the same question that the “active involvement of the EU, especially at this juncture, especially now that we are trying to break the deadlock and restart the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus issue, I really believe that it can change the situation (to it’s a game changer)”.
“The EU has all the necessary tools, incentives within the full spectrum of the EU-Turkey relationship that can lead to a win-win situation for all interested parties”, he pointed out.
He also fully agreed with Ms. Metsola that the Cyprus problem is a European problem, since Cyprus is a member state of the EU and will continue to be a member of it after a solution, underlining that “we need the EU to be actively involved always within the framework of the UN”.
He also pointed out that the EU will not replace the UN but will support their efforts.
