Nicosia: European political groups expressed their support for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus on Monday, marking the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island. In a series of statements and posts on social media, these groups condemned the ongoing occupation and violation of international law.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the European People's Party (EPP) took to Facebook to denounce the situation, emphasizing the continued occupation of 37% of Cyprus, an EU Member State. The EPP urged for renewed efforts towards the reunification of the island and called on Turkey to commit to a viable settlement that aligns with UN resolutions and respects EU principles.
The Socialists and Democrats Group (S and D) in a post on X highlighted the illegal invasion and occupation by Turkey, reiterating their demand for Turkey to withdraw its troops and restore the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots. They emphasized the EU's active role in striving for a reunited Cyprus within the European Union.
Similarly, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) expressed their support for Cyprus, labeling July 20 as a dark day for both Cyprus and Europe. They emphasized their firm stance against the island's partition and called for the end of the illegal occupation.
The Left in the European Parliament also issued a statement on their website, marking 52 years since the events that led to Cyprus' division. They brought attention to the crimes against women and girls during the invasion, highlighting the ongoing occupation of European territory and the need for international accountability.
Left MEP Giorgos Georgiou emphasized the commitment to the common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for freedom and reunification, advocating for a just and sustainable solution. The Left group, in solidarity with AKEL, called for the resumption of meaningful negotiations to achieve a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
The Patriots for Europe also voiced their concern, stressing that Cyprus must be free from occupation. They commemorated the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, recognizing the unresolved consequences and the continuous division of Cyprus, an EU Member State.
Cyprus has remained divided since the 1974 invasion by Turkey, which resulted in the occupation of its northern third. Despite multiple UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be reached, with the last negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without a conclusive outcome.