As long as Cyprus is split Europe will never be complete, President of the European Parliament said on Tuesday in joint statements in Strasbourg with Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides.

Metsola and Christodoulides had talks in the morning before Christodoulides’ addressed the EP plenary. In her statements after the talks, the EP President also stressed that ‘the only way forward is for there to be a single, sovereign European state, a bicommunal, bizonal federation in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.’

She also noted that the Cyprus problem is not only a Cypriot question, but a European question as well and an increased EU involvement at all stages of the negotiations can only be helpful, adding that ‘the EU potentially through an envoy of the caliber could facilitate a new impetus to the negotiations so that they can start again.’

On his part, Christodoulides said referring to the Cyprus problem, ‘we are doing our utmost in order to resume negotiations and I am looking forward to the support of the European Parliament.’

He added that the EU can play a leading role in our efforts to resume negotiations and thanked Metsola for her interest and clear positions on the Cyprus problem.

In her statements, Metsola said that since Christodoulides took office they have already met four times, noting that this is ‘a clear indication of the European Parliament’s dedication to Cyprus’ priorities but also your commitment.’

She stressed that as long as Cyprus is split, Europe will never be complete. ‘You are not alone in your desire to see your island reunified under the auspices of the UN peace plan,’ the EP President said.

Moreover, she said that they talked about migration, ‘a challenge which is not specific for Cyprus but one that I know is very present for you. It is clear no member state can handle migration flows on its own and this is why last week’s breakthrough agreement on new migration rules is very good news,’ she added.

She said that ‘the European parliament has already adopted its position in May. We are ready to start negotiations and we can and must do progress. After seven years of deadlock, we ought it to everyone, our citizens, those seeking refuge and all our partners around the world, because the EU needs one migration and migration and asylum policy,’ she added.

She went on to say that ‘we can protect our borders and find an approach that is fair, that is humane with those in need of protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible and that is strong against traffickers exploiting the most vulnerable.’

Christodoulides said in his statements that he looked forward to their next meeting in Cyprus to start together the campaign for the European elections ‘which are very important for all member states but especially for Cyprus having in mind that we start preparing for the Presidency of the Council of the EU’ which the country will hold in the first half of 2026.

He said that they had some substantial discussions, while referring to the Cyprus problem he stressed that ‘we are doing our utmost in order to resume negotiations and I am looking forward to the support of the European Parliament.’

‘The EU can play a leading role in our efforts to resume negotiations,’ he added and thanked Metsola for her interest and clear positions on the Cyprus problem.

Christodoulides said that they discussed about migration, issues of common interest, and the European elections that will take place next year.

He also noted that it is a great honour for him to be at the European Parliament 100 days after assuming his duties.

Replying to a question if the EU can be a game changer in the Cyprus problem and in which way and if Christodoulides’ proposal for a more active engagement of the EU in the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem can bear fruit, given the fact that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a conversation after his re-election with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, that he wishes Turkey’s EU course to continue, Metsola said that the Cyprus problem is not only a Cypriot question but also a European question.

‘And I believe that an increased EU involvement at all stages of the negotiations can only be helpful especially as any solution is to be properly aligned with the EU acquis,’ she added.

She said that ‘it is clear that the solution needs to be found within the framework of the UN and the EU potentially through an envoy of the caliber could facilitate a new impetus to the negotiations so that they can start again.’

She added that the restart of the talks must be our first step and priority’ and stressed that ‘the only way forward is for there to be a single, sovereign European state, a bicommunal, bizonal federation in line with the UN Security Council resolutions.’

‘We should also keep in mind that Cyprus has acceded to the European Union as a whole and has the need and the reason for EU involvement,’ she noted.

Christodoulides said that ‘the active involvement of the EU especially at this juncture, especially now that we are trying to break the deadlock and resume the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, I really believe that it can be a game changer.’

He noted that ‘the EU has all the necessary tools, the incentives within the full spectrum of the EU – Turkey relationship that can led to a win-win situation for all interested parties.’

He expressed his full agreement with Metsola that the Cyprus problem is a European problem, noting that Cyprus is a member state of the EU and will continue to be a member of the EU after a solution.

‘We need the EU to be actively involved always within the context of the UN framework. The EU is not to replace the UN, the EU is to support the efforts of the UN,’ he said.

Earlier Metsola welcomed Christodoulides at the European Parliament building. During the welcoming ceremony the national anthems of Cyprus and the EU were played.

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: Cyprus News Agency