Cyprus problem is a European problem - Anastasiades

Greek Cypriot Nicos Anastasiades has described the Cyprus problem as a European problem.

Speaking at the European People`s Party (EPP) congress in Helsinki on Thursday, Anastasiades said that the Cyprus problem is in effect a European problem, an open wound for Europe, noting that  healing this European wound will contribute significantly to a stronger Europe, also in light of the huge prospects in the energy field.

Reunification, a viable, functional and lasting solution that safeguards Cyprus’s independence and sovereignty based on the UN Security Council Resolutions and the EU acquis, principles and values, will allow it to further develop its role as an anchor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and as a bridge between the region and Europe benefiting all Europeans, Anastasiades said. 

Anastasiades said that  “as we endeavor to ensure peace, security and prosperity in Europe and our wider region, we must not forget that the European Union was founded on principles to safeguard peace, our way of life, democracy and prosperity, equality and human right”

What happens on the eastern and southern regions has a direct impact on us. And as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, which still endures occupation of 37% of its territory and flagrant violation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights of its citizens, either Greek or Turkish Cypriots, by Turkey contrary to international and EU law, I need to press on the importance of reunifying the EU’s last divided Member State, he stressed.

He said he was grateful  “for the EPP’s long standing, strong  support to our efforts to find a fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem and I would like to express my appreciation for the renewal of this support by the resolution on the Cyprus problem) adopted last night.”

CM