Metsola: Cyprus Issue Should Be Resolved in a European Manner

According to Fileleftheros and other newspapers, Metsola condemned the "50th anniversary of the occupation of Cyprus" during the European Parliament session held yesterday in Strasbourg.

Metsola emphasized that the consequences of the events of 1974 are still felt today, asserting that there is no place for divisions in Europe.

She highlighted that the forced division of an EU member state is not just Cyprus's issue but Europe's as well, and it should be addressed in a European way. Metsola remarked that Cyprus is not a forgotten corner of the EU and that the European Union was shaped by the continent's painful history.

On this tragic anniversary, Metsola stated that the European Parliament's message is clear: attention will not be diverted from Southern Cyprus. "We are united, Cyprus's problems are our problems, and Europe will not be whole as long as Cyprus remains divided," she declared.

The newspaper continued by noting that Greek Cypriot MEPs also spoke during the session.

DISY MEP Lukas Furlas, speaking on behalf of the European People's Party, thanked Metsola for her statement on Cyprus, indicating that they have not been forgotten. Furlas mentioned that the 50th anniversary of the Turkish occupation marks 50 years of displacement and division.

Speaking on behalf of the left group, AKEL MEP Georgios Georgiou noted that 50 years have passed since the double crime against the Cypriot people, referring to the coup and the subsequent tragic events and "occupation."

DIKO MEP Kostas Mavridis, representing the Social Democrats, emphasized that the Cyprus issue is a European problem. He stated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the "illegal occupation and invasion," highlighting human rights violations, disappearances, and thousands of displaced persons.

ELAM MEP Geadis Geadi, speaking for the Conservatives, suggested that the current days might be a celebration for Europeans but reminded them that 20 July 1974, the black anniversary of the occupation during which thousands of war crimes were committed, was approaching.