European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated on Tuesday evening that “this is the moment for [Cyprus’] reunification. If we are missing this opportunity, this opportunity will never come back.”
Juncker made the statement while speaking at a photo exhibition on the island’s Committee on Missing Persons being held at the European Parliament’s Brussels HQ.
The EC President was joined by EP President Martin Schulz at the photo exhibition who in turn expressed his hope that a solution to the Cyprus Problem will be found soon.
“The EC is very mindful of the consequences of the tragic events of 1963-64 and 1974 for all Cypriots,” stated Juncker.
“Unanswered questions about missing persons prevent both communities from overcoming a painful past. This makes it so important for the families concerned to determine the fate of their loved ones.”
Juncker outlined that the CMP has “proven to be a successful confidence-building measure and strongly contributes to the reconciliation in Cyprus.”
SUPPORT FOR BOTH LEADERS
The EC President also expressed his support for both Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
“I am admiring the courage of Nicos and of Mustafa. I am admiring their perseverance, and I am admiring the progress they have made so far,” commented Juncker.
“A LOST CASE”
The EC President further made clear his concern that if a solution will not be reached soon, it may never happen.
“The young generations who have been born in a divided country, they are used, to some extent, to that division,” he added.
“If we are waiting another 20 years before bringing these two noble communities together, this will enter history as a lost case.
“So, the Cypriot citizens have it in their hands: to do what previous generations were unable to do.
“In order to achieve this you need patience, perseverance, courage – the patience, the perseverance and the courage one needs if one has great ambitions in one’s heart and when one is crossing a long distance.”
UN TALKS
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and illegally occupied its northern third.
UN-led talks have been underway since May 2015, aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.
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