This year we mark 45 years since the twin crime committed against the Republic of Cyprus, namely the fascist coup d’état of the Greek Junta and EOKA B and the illegal Turkish invasion that followed. Unfortunately, 45 years later Cyprus is still a divided country and Turkey continues to illegally occupy 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, violating fundamental principles of international law, such as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. As a result, the Cypriot people continue to suffer this flagrant violation of their human rights.

In all these years, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been struggling for the reunification of their homeland.  GUE/NGL stands in solidarity with the Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, their struggle for liberation and the reunification of the island. The successful outcome of this struggle can only be achieved through an end to Turkey’s military occupation, the abolition of the anachronistic system of guarantees and any intervention rights, and the transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as specified in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The fact that Cyprus is once again facing tension because of the illegal drillings of Turkey in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus shows that a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the agreed framework is an imperative.

The EU must genuinely stand in solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and its people, not only through words but also with initiatives that will force Ankara to face up to its responsibility.
Real pressure must be put on Turkey to end its illegal actions, which would encourage both sides in Cyprus to negotiate for the solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution to the Cyprus problem will permanently solve the issue of natural gas because under this framework, all maritime zones and natural resources will be of federal competence and revenues shared by the two communities in an agreed manner. Any additional disputes with Turkey will be solved through dialogue and under the UN Law of the Seas.

As it emerged from reports submitted by the UN Secretary General, the negotiations on the Cyprus problem had reached a very advanced stage two years ago. They should continue from where they were left at Crans Montana, with the acquis of the convergences that had been recorded, on the basis of the UN Secretary-General’s Framework and the informal document on the mechanism for implementing the solution.

The Left in the European Parliament stands united with those struggling in Cyprus for liberation and reunification on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, against chauvinism in both communities and against those comfortable with partition because the Cypriot people need peace and the EU needs an example to show for.