Speeches

Madam President, Mr President-in-Office of the European Council, Mr Vice-President of the European Commission, first of all, I have to say that these days my country is suffering hard because of the deadly and devastating fires that have unfortunately led to the loss of four lives, but also to the total destruction of vast areas of forested agricultural and residential area. Mr President of the European Council, Mr Vice-President of the European Commission, with your presence in the European Parliament today, I must call on you to help and mobilise all solidarity instruments to support and help our country and the suffering Cypriot citizens. As regards the conclusions of the European Council, I must clearly point out that, even before the ink of these conclusions dried up, in which there were clear warnings to Turkey about its criminal expansionist and aggressive behaviour in the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus, Turkey despised all these decisions, made harsh, insulting and brutal statements against you, dear President of the European Council, and is proceeding with the implementation of its criminal actions for a new fait accompli in Cyprus, for a new fait accompli in Famagusta. Today I am here to convey the voice of thousands of Cypriot European citizens who are immediately asking for clear answers from the European Commission and the European Council, especially the Famagusta European citizens. If Turkey proceeds with its criminal actions and implements its plans for Famagusta, which is in conflict with the Security Council, the United Nations and the European Parliament and the European Union, will the European Union stand up to the history of principles and values and impose sanctions on Turkey? Or will it seem inferior to the circumstances and history will write in black letters that, through the tolerance and inaction of the European Union, Turkey and Erdogan have carried out criminal plans against Cyprus and Cypriot European citizens?