Following several meetings in Cyprus, S&D Group president, Gianni Pittella, stated:

"Now is the time for the reunification of the island. 

"In these hard times for Europe and for humanity, the reunification of Cyprus could represent a light at the end of the tunnel. Together, both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities stand the historical chance of representing, in front of the whole world, a great example of coexistence and integration between different cultures and religions. Both communities must carry this historical responsibility of ‘no more walls in Europe’.

"Therefore, in the meetings I had in Cyprus, I expressed the S&Ds full support in the efforts for the reunification of the country and called on all implicated parties to work constructively in this direction.

"The solution of the Cyprus problem must be in line with European principles and values and respect relevant UN resolutions."

S&D president Gianni Pittella met with the president of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, the president of the House of Representatives Giannakis Omirou and the leaders of EDEK and DIKO, Marinos Sizopoulos and Nikolas Papadopulos.

Gianni Pittella also met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, and the leader of the CTP Party Mehmet Ali Talat.