Greek opposition political party Syriza leader Stefanos Kasselakis on Friday promised “initiatives in the European parliament” with regard to the Cyprus problem.
Speaking after a meeting with Cypriot president Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, he promised the initiatives would be aimed at “integrating the Cyprus problem into relations between the European Union and Turkey”.
Syriza has four members of the European parliament and is a member of The Left, the same group as Cypriot party Akel.
He added that he was “moved” to be on the island on the 50th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the island.
“So many generations have grown up with the results of this invasion, and they see them and even consider them faits accomplis, a status quo which must be changed by finding a fair and sustainable solution,” he said.
He added that such a solution should be found “within the framework of the United Nations resolutions,” and called for negotiations to restart “from where they stopped in Crans Montana in 2017”.
He went on to say that Syriza supports the efforts of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin, and will “support without any hesitation” the integration of the Cyprus problem into relations both between the EU and Turkey, and between Greece and Turkey.
“The Cyprus problem must be an integral part of relations between the EU and Turkey within this context, and we will undertake initiatives in this direction in the European parliament, including on the issue of missing persons,” he said.
He added, “we unequivocally support a solution under a bizonal, bicommunal federation, without guarantees or occupying troops, and we support the Cypriot people’s efforts to be able to bring about a solution which functionally integrates their demands so it can be credible, without secret diplomacy, but with transparency.”
He went on to say that if there are “any provocative fiestas and signs or manifestations of hatred from Turkey” on Saturday, “know that Syriza and I personally and absolutely condemn any such manifestation from the opposite side.”
He added that they “obviously would not be consistent with the spirit of good neighbourliness.”
“Once again, the official opposition supports the effort for a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem and will stand by the Greek Cypriots for as long as is necessary,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow opposition party Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis also met with Christodoulides on Friday, saying, “a full member of the EU cannot have an occupying army”.
He added that a solution to the Cyprus problem “must be based on the UN’s resolutions”, and added, “this is our national and patriotic duty, and we will fight for it with all our strength.”
