House President Yiannakis Omirou stressed on Wednesday that the economic crisis will not force Cyprus into accepting an unjust solution concerning its national issue, the Cyprus issue.
“Our people shall not kneel because of the economic difficulties” Omirou said, adding that Cypriots will overcome the crisis and revive their economy, as they did in 1974, after the Turkish invasion.
The President of the Cyprus Parliament said that Turkey remains intransigent and has escalated its provocative approach towards Cyprus.
Turkey has questioned Cyprus’ sovereign right to explore and exploit natural gas reserves located in its exclusive economic zone and has attempted to create tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, Omirou noted.
He called on the international community and the EU to urge Turkey to comply with international law and end its unlawful behavior.
He said that “we must insist on securing the rights of all Cypriots and restoring the rights of the refugees and the enclaved and ensure the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and settlers”.
Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory, is faced with an unprecedented economic and financial crisis that has dried up funds.
Repeated UN-led rounds of peace talks have so far failed to bring about a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country. Talks are expected to resume between the two Cypriot communities in October.