Speeches

Madam President, despite the resumption of negotiations, unfortunately no progress has been achieved on the Cyprus issue. I wonder how we expect progress to be achieved when we are discussing on the wrong basis of talks. Instead of demanding an end to the occupation, we settle for the illegality and war crimes of the Turkish invasion. Why is the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation anything other than converting the illegal de facto partition into a legal de jure partition of the island? This is in fact ignoring the will of the people who overwhelmingly rejected it in the 2004 referendum. Ladies and gentlemen, the resolution of ethnic divisions is contrary both to the UN Charter and to European principles, which are contrary to apartheid-type racist regimes. While in the case of Ukraine we rightly consider the continuation of the Russian presence in the occupied territory in the post-war period to be outrageous, in Cyprus why do we accept that Turkey retains a role and a say in the occupied territories in the post-solution era? Dear colleagues, Cyprus is not divided, it is semi-occupied. This is why we do not seek reunification, but strive for liberation and return to the land of our ancestors.

Mr President, more than a year after Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenians continue to be far from their ancestral homes. The wounds of the destruction of their cultural and religious heritage remain intact. 23 Armenians remain illegally detained, enduring ill-treatment and humiliation. Unfortunately, Aliyev's regime not only fails to respect international law and human fundamental rights but continues to illegally occupy sovereign territory of Armenia. The European Union must safeguard democratic values as they stem from ancient Greece. It is called upon to act decisively against Azerbaijan and Turkey, which are nothing but criminal states. Tolerance is enough for those who committed ethnic cleansing against the Armenians, Pontic Greeks, Asia Minor and Cyprus.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to table the following amendment: "Reiterates its call on the Republic of Turkey, a NATO member state and candidate for membership in the European Union, to abide by international law, recognise the Republic of Cyprus and immediately end the occupation and withdraw its troops from the island." Please accept the deposit and support the amendment. The defence of Europe concerns not only Ukraine but also the European territories of the Republic of Cyprus. The invader is not only Russia but also Turkey. Above all political and ideological differences, the unity of the European Parliament vis-à-vis states violating international law is imperative. Therefore, we must send as a body a clear message to a state under illegal occupation, the Republic of Cyprus.

Madam President, when we warned, some people provocatively ignored us. When we sounded the alarm, some applauded the new dictatorial regime in Syria and we reached today to discuss the future of the country, while in Syria there are human sacrifices and massacres of Christians and Alawites. As we watch the horrific videos that have flooded the internet, we remember that many people rushed to meet and shake hands with the new dictatorial government in Syria, giving it legitimacy. But the same regime in three months showed its true face, committing crimes against humanity against innocent civilians, women, the elderly and children. Everyone must finally understand that if Syria falls entirely under the rule of jihadists, it will become a global hub of terrorism. The monster of Islamism and the Turkey that supports it cannot be trusted. Whether they shave their beards or wear a suit, nothing can hide the crime that distinguishes them.

Mr President, I have said before that the attempt at a common European defence is a good step, as a result of geopolitical developments. It is imperative to develop a fully capable European pillar of NATO, which will be able to act autonomously when needed and turn declarations of solidarity between European states from words to actions. But in discussing the future of European defence, I cannot omit that we saw Turkey invited to the meeting in London on March 2 and Sultan Erdoğan boldly declare that Europe's new defence architecture cannot fail to include Turkey. Ladies and gentlemen, the answer must be clear. Not only must Turkey stay away from the security of Europe, when all it offers to Cyprus, Greece, Armenia, Israel, are threats and insecurity, but it is imperative to put sanctions and a veto on the sale of European military weapons, while the occupation continues in Cyprus, while it continues to threaten Greece with war.

Madam President, in recent years we have witnessed a growing migration crisis that threatens European cohesion. The multicultural model and the policies of open borders are now proven to have failed. Together they have plunged all of Europe and millions of Europeans living in fear, since no one can guarantee their safety. European capitals are closing their borders, tightening controls, because, when we warned, the supposedly progressive forces blamed us with the worst terms, rather than understanding the problem. With return rates at only 20%, in my home country, Cyprus, having reached almost 10% of asylum seekers, it is imperative that a comprehensive, strict, deterrent migration policy is immediately established by the whole of Europe. It is imperative that deportations begin immediately, that benefits are cut, that we send a message that no one will enter Europe illegally.

Madam President, you have rightly said in your speech that we need to build a common defence. For the umpteenth time we heard a lot about Ukraine, but not a word again about Cyprus. The security problem of the European Union is not only Russia but also Turkey. Ladies and gentlemen, some corner of Europe, Cyprus, one of the 27 Member States of the Union, for those who have forgotten, is under illegal occupation. There can be no two-pronged occupation forces. It is a challenge for Turkey to be present at the London meeting and to try to be included in European defence as Europe's security guarantor. A country that illegally occupies the northern part of Cyprus threatens NATO countries with war and supports terrorists in the Middle East. Turkey not only has no place in Europe but also no place in European defence and security. Freedom in Cyprus, as we call "freedom in Ukraine"!

Mr President, I would like to table an oral amendment with the addition of a new explanatory note as follows: Taking into account recent events, Turkey has a history of cases involving political imprisonment and ill-treatment of people, such as the case of missing persons in Cyprus. Dear colleagues, I ask for the support of all political forces on such an important humanitarian issue as the missing persons in Cyprus. Several of them are missing after being transferred to Turkey, with the Turkish state refusing to cooperate without a shred of respect for the rule of law for fifty years. I only ask you to consider the magnitude of the problem. At least three of your six Cypriot MEP colleagues sitting next to you have relatives who are missing. By analogy, it is like saying 360 of the 720 MEPs in this House. That is why we must send a strong message of unity to those who do not respect human rights. Message of solidarity and support to the struggle of the relatives of the missing persons of Cyprus.

Mr President, I am surprised by today's debate. Is there really anyone in this House who expects Turkey to respect the rule of law and human rights at home when it does not respect them abroad? Turkey, to remind you, was helping the Azerbaijanis in the massacres in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is behind radical Islamist groups and terrorists in suits in Syria. Turkey threatens Israel with war by declaring that it will reach Jerusalem. Turkey is also threatening war with Greece, committing countless violations in the Aegean. At the same time, it does not respect the European Union, since it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. It continues to illegally occupy its territory, instrumentalizes migration to demographically alter the island, and refuses to cooperate on the humanitarian issue of the missing. Let's be honest. Turkey, a state with a criminal record that has learned to thrive in chaos and barbarism, has no place in Europe.

Mr President, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Unfortunately, the horrors of war do not discriminate. Thousands missing after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, hundreds missing and after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. On the blacklist is Cyprus, which for 50 years has been experiencing the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing illegal occupation. Turkish barbarism has left 1,619 missing on a small island like Cyprus. Civilians, women, elders and young children are included in this long list of abductees. Turkey is not cooperating. He is deaf to international appeals, scorns the ruling of the European Court of Justice, ignores UN Resolution 34/50 and instead organisedly removes bones from mass graves. And why should it do so, when high-ranking officials of the European Union, instead of placing it before its responsibilities with the most severe sanctions, finance it by calling it a strategic partner? We owe a debt to the tragic figures, the mothers of the missing who left without knowing the fate of their own man. Only then will we be able to look into the eyes of the then little girls who today became mothers, grandmothers and are still searching for what happened to their own father.

Mr President, first and foremost we must express our sympathy to Sweden and the Swedish people. But let's not turn a blind eye. The best example to avoid is Sweden's immigration policy. The best example is that the policy of open borders and the policy of integration have failed miserably. Only by implementing a strict immigration policy from Sweden to Italy, from Spain to Cyprus, will we be able to regain the lost sense of security of European citizens.

Mr President, the last four years in the European Union have seen extremely high levels of inflation, which have reduced the purchasing power of fixed incomes, savings and pensions, distorting the efficient allocation of resources with a negative impact on economic stability. Inflation may have subsided, according to the report, but the repercussions still remain deeply engraved on citizens. Examples: firstly, the increase in energy prices with a knock-on effect on the economy. Second, high levels of inflation disproportionately affect lower-income households, which spend a larger proportion of their budget on basic necessities, inevitably creating conditions of hardship, poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, attention and good planning is needed for the future, with policies that will not sacrifice citizens on the altar of the interests of banks, such as in 2013 when you stole the money of Cypriot citizens' deposits from another position. Finally, with regard to the digital euro, I underline our position that it should be used as a complement to the banknote and in no way as a replacement for it.

Madam President, stabbings in the old port of Limassol. Stabbings and two wounded in old Nicosia. Car attack against police officer in Potamia. Episode in Zakaki and injury of three people. A police officer was beaten with an iron bar in Nicosia. Damage to shops and beatings in Larnaca. What I have mentioned has one thing in common: The perpetrators were illegal immigrants. Not illegal, as some people like to call them, but illegal. Cyprus is at risk from the invasion of thousands of illegal immigrants deliberately instrumentalized by Turkey. Most of Europe's countries are also at risk. Let's be honest. No one feels safe in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Athens, in the central cities of Europe. Unfortunately, there was a new attack in Bavaria with two dead, as happened in Mannheim. Not many days passed when dozens of Europeans died in the Christmas village in Magdeburg. Because in the Europe of open borders it has become a crime to want to celebrate Christmas or to be a European citizen. If we want Europeans to feel safe again in their neighbourhoods, villages and cities, we need to implement a strict immigration policy.

Madam President, it is imperative to strengthen Europe's defences, since only in this way will we have a real shield against hostile threats and power on the international political stage. But to speak of external hostile threats, while territories of a Member State of the European Union are under occupation, is an oxymoron. While the European Union has rightly imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion, supporting Ukraine in every way, it is not doing the same for the Republic of Cyprus. It is a challenge for thousands of Cypriot and other European citizens that Ursula von der Leyen announces additional support for Turkey with one billion. Cyprus needs your help to free itself from the boot of the Turkish barbarian invader and conqueror. So, instead of cheering Ankara up financially and militarily, it is time for Europe to join the Republic of Cyprus in imposing sanctions and an arms embargo on Turkey. Cyprus geopolitically – let everyone understand it – is Europe’s bulwark against challenges such as terrorism in the Middle East, illegal migration and Europe’s energy pillar.

Mr President, a few days ago, and more specifically on 10 December, was International Human Rights Day. On the occasion of today's debate on the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, I would like to highlight some historical figures that should be a symbol of heroism, struggle and dedication. The mothers, women, sisters and daughters of the missing persons of the Cyprus tragedy of 1974, which today closes 50 black Christmases since they began the struggle to locate their loved ones. The Turkish atrocity and barbarity left 1619 missing, with Turkey ever since refusing to cooperate on such a humanitarian issue. It is imperative that the European Parliament and MEPs respond vigorously and pressure Turkey, even with sanctions, to open the files to ascertain the fate of all missing persons, rather than seeing Mrs Ursula von der Leyen with a smile hug the Islamist Erdogan. Human rights and the fight for justice cannot be discounted and compromised.

Madam President, unfortunately, despite the pompous declarations on equality, people with disabilities continue to experience social exclusion and marginalisation. A state must ensure the unhindered integration and integration of all its citizens in all areas, let alone the European Union. It is therefore necessary to upgrade the European Disability Card to ensure the same access to services and to ensure adequate access to the whole range of health services, including sign language support. On this occasion, I would like to propose the introduction of an EU-wide directive to exempt the purchase of wheelchairs and special medical equipment for persons with disabilities from taxation. At the same time, pressure must be put on all Member States to set up television channels to serve these people. Huge problems also exist in education, since graduation models have failed and need to be replaced with skills development. We believe in a Europe where everyone has the same opportunities, the same access and the freedom to live their lives without restrictions.

Mr President, the backbone of a country's economy is unquestionably the primary and secondary production sector. Only in this way can you acquire strong economic foundations that will shield you against external crises. Unfortunately, the wrong European policies have devastated farmers and agricultural workers. While they should have priority in European policies, they have been sacrificed on the altar of the so-called green policy. It is imperative that the productive sector of the state, agro-pastoralism, be significantly supported with the aim of self-sufficiency in basic goods. If we want a strong Europe, we must not live with dependencies, but have our own production. Commissioner, you said quite rightly that we must safeguard farmers' rights. But at the same time you are closing your eyes to Cypriot farmers, who are victims of unfair competition with a European directive. They are called upon to compete with products that are illegally produced and imported without adequate criteria from occupied Cyprus. If you really want to protect them, unite your voice with us to abolish the regulation of the Green Line, to close the barricades financed by the Turkish occupation troops.

Madam President, the main theme of the forthcoming summit is the European Union in the world. Let's be realistic. The best geopolitical investment for diplomatic investment and political power is a common European defence. But before we look beyond our continent, let's see what is happening within our borders. Thousands of illegal immigrants have flooded every corner of Europe, increasing the feeling of insecurity among citizens. Some countries, such as my homeland, are even at risk of demographic deterioration, since there is a real danger that Cyprus will turn into an Ottoman caliphate by manipulating Turkey. However, Madam President, I regret to note that you have forgotten for the umpteenth time. There is no reference to the illegal Turkish occupation and the necessity to liberate Cyprus, i.e. the predominance of international law within Europe. Instead, Madam President, I saw you clasping and caressing neo-Sultan Erdoğan. If you forget, we do not forget. We have a duty to preserve our national identity, our traditions and our culture. To deliver Europe to future generations proud and Christian and not humiliated and Islamic.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, they are not 'obsessions' with illegal immigrants. After all, a walk through Cyprus will convince you of what is really happening on the island. There's a huge problem. The uprising of hundreds of Syrians with Free Syrian Army flags in all the cities of Cyprus will convince even the most skeptical. So a trip to Cyprus can convince you of the real problem.

Mr President, the situation in Syria is chaotic, as it looks like a fragmented landscape. Therefore, Commissioner, there is neither optimism nor complacency. Do not forget that a dictatorial regime may have fallen and in its place we have another dictatorial regime that is deeply extremist, extremely Islamic. The current HTS transitional government, as it is called, has been on the State Department's list of terrorist organizations since 2014. But the fact that we have seen in many European countries from the outset the flags of the Free Syrian Army, which has inextricable ties to the Islamic State, is something of concern. Especially for Cyprus, since behind the new regime lies Turkey, which demonstrably instrumentalizes migration in order to alter the population of our island. I'm ringing the alarm. After the concerns of so many Syrians in Europe have ceased to exist, the time has come for them to return to their country. Let's be procured and not obsessed. Let us prevent illegal immigration from functioning as a fifth column within our European homelands.

Mr President, I must thank all the political forces for unanimously supporting my initiative for today's debate and you, Mr Schinas, for accepting it. 50 years since the Turkish invasion, 41 years since Turkey's attempts to legitimize the crimes against Cyprus. This is how Europe must find itself – united in the face of Turkish expansionism. Because international law, the principles and values advocated by the European Union cannot be discounted, our messages must be clear. Denunciation of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of the Republic of Cyprus. Condemnation of the illegal separatist formation in occupied Cyprus. The liberation of Cyprus is a one-way street for the entire European construction. To block together the path of upgrading the pseudo-state. No solution should be accepted that would legitimize the illegal partition of the island, either by creating two states or on the basis of a federation of two zones. Ladies and gentlemen, Europe must not be left uninvolved. Turkey, a state with a criminal record, must finally be treated as an invader and conqueror of European territories and not as a partner. It is necessary to impose strict sanctions and an arms embargo on all European countries, and not, Mr Schinas, to give additional funding. Let us understand that Cypriot citizens are not third-class citizens. They demand to enjoy the same rights as any other European citizen – to live freely in their own country.

Madam President, both the American elections and the recent European elections have sent clear signals. From the westernmost tip of America to the easternmost tip of Europe, from Hawaii to Cyprus, voters gave a strong mandate to conservative forces and demanded that national and religious identity and heritage be preserved; to end uncontrolled illegal migration, regaining the lost sense of security in every neighbourhood; to block the paranoia of the woke agenda and to preserve the traditional institution of the family, where the father is the man and the mother is the woman; reject the green frenzy and focus on climate realism; restore the right to freedom of expression and speech. That is to say, as much as it bothers the Left, to put first of all our nations, so that we can - as Donald Trump's motto so much says - make Europe great, proud again, or else: "Make Europe Great Again".

Madam President, I must express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Spain. Hundreds of lives have been lost as a result of natural disasters that left entire communities in Europe living in ruins after major damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses. We must act decisively to lighten the burden on the national governments and citizens of Europe's Member States. Unfortunately, my country, Cyprus, was also a victim of natural disasters. Hospitals, homes and businesses have been badly damaged by the floods. We need to show European solidarity with countries affected by natural disasters in order to deal with the social and economic consequences. The European Commission should speed up and simplify the procedures for accessing European funds for reconstruction after natural disasters. In closing, we must congratulate the firefighters, the rescuers, the members of the Armed Forces, the members of the Police, the doctors, the nursing staff and – most importantly – the volunteers for their tireless efforts.