On the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion, key European Parliament political groups issued strong statements condemning the ongoing occupation of Cyprus, calling for troop withdrawals, and backing a reunited island within the EU.

European Political Groups Mark 52nd Anniversary of Invasion

European political groups sent messages in support of the liberation and reunification of Cyprus on Monday, on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island.

In a statement on Facebook, EPP condemned the ongoing violation of international law and expressed support to those affected.

“The continued occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, an EU Member State, has kept the island divided for more than five decades. It is time to redouble efforts for the reunification of the island. Turkey must finally commit to a viable settlement, in line with UN resolutions and with respect to EU principles”, it noted.

S&D and ECR Condemn Occupation and Partition

In post on X, the S&D Group said that “52 years since Türkiye illegally invaded Cyprus, we don’t forget. We condemn the ongoing Turkish occupation of 37% of the Republic of Cyprus and reiterate our call to Türkiye to withdraw its troops and restore the rights and freedoms of all Cypriots. This concerns all of us and EU has an active role to play for a reunited Cyprus inside EU”.

Also in a post on X, the ECR Group said that 20 July is a dark day for Cyprus and for Europe. “We stand firmly behind the just struggle to end the illegal occupation and achieve the liberation of Cyprus. In light of the deeply concerning reports that have emerged in recent days, the ECR Group makes it clear that we will never consent to the racist partition of the island”, it noted.

The Left Highlights 1974 Crimes and Bicommunal Federation

In a statement on their website, The Left in the EP said that today marks 52 years since the fascist coup d’état, Turkish invasion and ultimate partition of Cyprus which, year on year, threatens to separate the people of the island permanently.

“This month, the European Parliament raised one of the most horrific elements of the invasion; the crimes committed against the women and girls of Cyprus in 1974. Bringing these issues before the European Parliament’s plenary carries particular political significance, as it serves as a reminder that the occupation of European territory has continued for more than half a century and that the international community still owes answers to the people of Cyprus”, it noted.

It is added that marking the sombre anniversary of the invasion, Left MEP Giorgos Georgiou said that “in the face of occupation and division, we remain committed to the common struggle of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots for freedom and reunification, on the agreed basis for the settlement of the Cyprus problem. A just and sustainable solution will bring the occupation to an end, reunite our country and our people, and enable Cyprus to become a bridge of peace and cooperation in the region.”

“Together with their partners in AKEL, The Left group in the European Parliament stands in solidarity with the Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. To that end, the group calls for the liberation and reunification of the island and demands an end to Turkey’s military occupation. The group calls for the resumption of substantive negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all”, it is added.

Patriots for Europe Demand End to Illegal Displacement

Lastly, the Patriots for Europe said that with Cyprus being 52 years under Turkish occupation, Europe must not forget.

“Occupation is not peace. Cyprus must be free. The 20th of July marks the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which led to the illegal occupation of the northern part of the island and the violent displacement of thousands of Cypriots from their homes. Fifty-two years later, the consequences of the invasion remain unresolved and Cyprus, a Member State of the European Union, remains divided and under the Turkish illegal occupation. We honour the fallen, remember the missing and stand with all those who were forced from their ancestral homes. We do not forget”, they concluded.

Context of Division

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)