Von der Leyen: We will never accept a two-state solution in Cyprus

The decisions taken last month at European level send “very clear signals” to neighbours who want good relations with the EU, said commission President Ursula von der Leyen, commenting on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan‘s illegal visit to the occupied Cyprus on 20 July, with a view to making new announcements about the enclosed city of Famagusta.

“I want to reiterate that we will never accept a two-state solution (to the Cyprus issue) and we are firm on this and very united and that is what Cyprus should expect,” Ms von der Leyen said, responding to a journalist’s question during a joint press conference with President Anastasiades in Nicosia.

As she said “the most valuable thing is unity in the EU and the knowledge that all 26 Member States at European level are next to you”.

The President’s statement referred to the summit’s decisions last month, saying that they “send very clear signals”.

“Our neighbours have an interest in good bilateral relations. If this is the case – and we want good bilateral relations – I want our neighbours to know that if they speak to one of the Member States, such as Cyprus, in any tone, they speak with the EU”, stressed the Commission’s President and added: “We are united in this and we stand by you and I have been clear on this in telephone contact with President Erdogan and therefore rest assured that you have the support of the whole of the EU’.