Nicosia, Cyprus. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Thursday expressed support for efforts to reunify Cyprus, saying the European Union will be truly united only when Cyprus is united. She also praised Cyprus’ handling of its six-month term holding the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency.
Support for reunification
Metsola told the Cyprus News Agency that the way forward is a sovereign, European state based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and grounded in common European values and European law.
She said the path to a solution to the Cyprus problem is based on dialogue and diplomacy, adding that trust is the foundation of every sustainable solution.
Call for talks to resume
Metsola said there is hope for the rapid resumption of talks and stated that the European Parliament will always be a friend of Cyprus. She added that Europe stands by Cyprus and its people.
She said the Cyprus problem is not just a Cyprus issue but also a European issue, and said support for the United Nations-led process will continue through political backing, stronger confidence-building measures, and sustained European interest.
Creating conditions for a solution
Metsola said these efforts are aimed at helping create the conditions for a sustainable solution.
Comments on Cyprus’ EU presidency
Referring to Cyprus’ six-month term holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, which is due to end at the end of this month, Metsola said Cyprus took on the role during a period of rapid developments, great uncertainty, and increased expectations.
She said it was not an easy mission or an easy juncture, but that President Nikos Christodoulides and the entire Cypriot presidency team responded successfully.
Cyprus as a bridge
Metsola said she has always considered Cyprus an honest broker and a bridge between continents, countries, and people.
She said that, for this reason, the country has been able to make further progress in the areas of security, competitiveness, and simplification.