EU: Hope for unified Cyprus still exists

Too much time has been lost without a solution to the Cyprus problem, the EU’s diplomatic service said on Friday night as it marked the 1974 invasion.

“This week, we commemorate the anniversary of the tragic events of 1974, the consequences of which we still witness half a century later.

“Too much time has been lost.”

Today, the Republic of Cyprus, an EU Member State, remains divided, which has far-reaching implications first and foremost for the people of Cyprus, a statement by the European Union External Action said.

“A forced division can never be a solution. Hope for a better future, a unified Cyprus, still exists.”

The EU’s diplomatic service added that in the context of the UN-led efforts, “a genuine commitment is urgently needed by all concerned.”

This includes the two Cypriot communities, “as well as in particular Turkey, for a peaceful settlement on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

Against the background of broad geopolitical shifts and crises, “we need to join forces to reach a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, for all people of Cyprus and for the stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement concluded.