Cyprus welcomes EU report on Turkey, urges resuming talks

The Cypriot government has expressed its approval of the European Parliament's Progress Report on Turkey. They particularly welcomed an amendment proposed by Cypriot Members of the European Parliament, which condemns Turkish violations and attacks against peacekeepers in the Pyla area.

The report also reaffirms the European Parliament's support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, following the United Nations Security Council's framework.

Furthermore, the report calls for the resumption of negotiations from the point where they left off in Crans Montana and condemns actions promoting a two-state solution, separatist regimes, and Turkish troop presence. It also strongly urges Turkey to reverse its illegal actions in Varosha.

The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has called on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to respond positively to the European Parliament's demands and resume negotiations for the Cyprus issue's resolution.

The Cypriot government emphasized that Turkey's European aspirations should align with its actions, respecting European principles, values, and EU resolutions.

The division of Cyprus, resulting from Turkey's 1974 invasion, remains a long-standing issue. Despite UN-led peace talks, no resolution has been reached, with the latest negotiations in 2017 ending inconclusively.