Cyprus Rejects Türkiye’s Response to European Parliament Resolution on Island Dispute

July 13, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Cyprus has rejected statements issued by Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding a European Parliament resolution that criticised Türkiye’s military presence in parts of Cyprus and called for accountability over alleged violations linked to the 1974 invasion.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus said the European Parliament’s July 8, 2026 resolution reaffirmed its position that Türkiye’s military action and continued presence in the northern part of the island constitute violations of international law and remain an obstacle to peace, stability and European Union-Türkiye relations.

Cyprus said it rejects the assertions made by Türkiye in response to the resolution, adding that the European Parliament had also highlighted human rights violations related to the 1974 events, including allegations of sexual violence against women and girls.

The ministry said Türkiye remains responsible under international law for the violations cited in the resolution and called on Ankara to acknowledge the reported acts, accept responsibility and provide reparations.

More than five decades after the 1974 invasion and the continued division of the island, Cyprus said the issue remains unresolved and that victims and survivors deserve recognition and justice.

The dispute over Cyprus has continued since 1974, when Türkiye launched a military operation following a coup backed by Greece. The island has remained divided between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled north.

Source: FSX Business News