The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus rejects and condemns the allegations contained in the statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the resolution that wasadopted by the European Parliament on July 8.

As stated in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Parliament has, once again and in the strongest possible terms, Turkey’s military invasion and the ongoing illegal occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus as a serious violation of international law and as an obstacle to peace, stability, and European Union–Turkey relations.

It further condemned, on the basis of the fundamental values and principles of the European Union, the serious human rights violations resulting from the Turkish invasion, with specific reference to sexual violence against women and girls during and after the 1974 invasion.

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“Turkey is reminded that it continues to bear responsibility, under international law, for these violations and is called upon to acknowledge these heinous acts, assume its responsibilities, and provide full and effective reparations,” the Ministry notes.

“Fifty-two years after the Turkish invasion and the ongoing military occupation, Turkey continues to bear responsibility toward the international community, as well as toward the victims and survivors, whose suffering and resilience deserve remembrance, justice, and respect,” the statement concludes.