Forty years after the Turkish invasion and the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, today an EU Member State, the GUE/NGL denounces the partitionist status quo in Cyprus as “unacceptable”.

 

In a statement, the group declares that:

 

“The only way out of this situation is to find a solution to the problem within the context of talks under the auspices of the United Nations for a bi-zonal, bi-communal, federal state that will safeguard its single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship, together with political equality of the communities of Cyprus, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions.  GUE/NGL supports the procedure that is now underway for the solution of the Cyprus problem, which must result in a viable and functional solution without foreign intervention and safeguard the reunification and freedom of Cyprus.

 

“The EU must play a more consistent role on the Cyprus problem. We demand that the Turkish government, a country that is an EU accession candidate, must take practical measures to fulfil its obligations towards Cyprus, as stated in European Council decisions. The Turkish government’s policy must be in line with International Law and human rights. It must withdraw its troops from Cyprus as set out in the European Parliament resolution on Turkey's accession and pursue a genuinely constructive process for a solution to the Cyprus problem. To this end, GUE/NGL is of the opinion that the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants, in conjunction with measures beneficial to both communities, would be an important first step that would give an impetus to the negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

 

“On this occasion, the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left in the European Parliament expresses its solidarity with the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in their struggle for the future of their country. We guarantee that we will redouble our efforts in the European Parliament, but also through other appropriate channels and contacts, so that justice shall prevail in Cyprus.”

 

 

 

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:

Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20

Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
European United Left / Nordic Green Left

European Parliamentary Group

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