Polish MEP Artur Zasada said Wednesday he feels that Cyprus is becoming a much more powerful country within the EU.
Speaking after a meeting with President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, the Polish MEP expressed the hope to visit again Cyprus during next the year, not only because of Cyprus EU Presidency in the 2nd semester of 2012, but also because he feels that Cyprus is recognized and becoming a much more powerful country in the EU.
Zasada who was arrested last March by Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus, in the churchyard of Agia Zoni, which is situated within the fenced-off area of Famagusta, occupied by the Turkish military since the 1974 Turkish invasion, said that he now feels as a friend of Cyprus and here he feels like home.
He added that the EP believes that Cyprus must be reunited, even though he knows is going to be a long process.
“You can consider me a supported of the idea of reunited Cyprus”, he said expressing hope that one day he can visit a reunited country.
Zasada, who is a Member of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the EP, said also that Cyprus and Poland could enhance their cooperation in the field of tourism.
“ I feel that Cyprus is a good tourist destination for the Polish people, especially because of what happened this year in North Africa”, he said.
The House President thanked the Polish MEP for his initiatives and actions in the Parliament, concerning Cyprus and the target for a solution to the Cyprus problem that will end the occupation, based on the principles of European law.
He added that Zasada has made important efforts for Cyprus, pointing out the need for application of European law in the case of Cyprus.
“We had agreed to remain in contact for the promotion of common goals, concerning not only the Cyprus problem but also the broader European perspective”, said Omirou.
He also noted that Cyprus, during its Presidency of the Council of the EU, could cooperate even closer with the EP and Poland, which completes its EU presidency by the end of 2011.
Cyprus has been divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974. Some 40,000 troops are stationed in the island’s northern occupied areas.
UN-led peace talks are currently underway between the leaders of the two communities, Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, with an aim to reach a solution that would reunite the island under a federal roof.
