By Loukas Fourlas
MEP DISY & EPP[/I]
The unacceptable actions of the Turks cannot be left untouched. At the same time that Ankara accuses us of stagnation on the Cyprus problem, it opens part of the coastal road in Famagusta. These outrageous actions, once again, demonstrate the true face of the Erdogan regime.
The dramatic situation in which the once prosperous city of Famagusta has found itself, hurts my soul. I have stated many, many times in the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and from the floor of the plenary session that Turkey is a pariah state, a state outside the law. And I will continue to do so at every opportunity.
It is imperative that we remind our European partners and the international community who Turkey really is. A pirate country that does not respect international law and UN Resolutions. It is characteristic that for 48 years, although so many UN Resolutions have been issued demanding respect for the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of refugees and the withdrawal of foreign troops, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership have systematically and defiantly ignored them.
I stand by the role of the European Union, stressing the need for it to be substantial and productive and not just a spectator or an extra. The time has come for it to show in practice that it cares about one of its member states and supports efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem through practical and active involvement. It does not back Ankara, nor does it continue to give second chances to the unacceptable and reprehensible actions of Ankara against not only two member states of the Union, Cyprus and Greece, but also against its neighbours, such as Syria, Iraq and Armenia. We must finally understand that our enemy is one and common. We must join hands and face him together.
As long as we do not appear united at home, how will we manage to convince the entire Union that Turkey is a serious problem for everyone. By pointing out together that Erdogan is the evil thorn that will sooner or later endanger the security and cohesion of the whole of Europe by the way he pursues his policies, we will also mobilise the other Member States.
I believe that all this is enough to mobilise us and convince us that we must act on the basis of a collective plan to deal with Turkish provocativeness. A coordinated and well-organized reaction of Hellenism is required. The Turks leave us no choice but to rally as a nation and act together at the level of the International Community.
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