Greek Cypriot Communist Party AKEL and Turkish Cypriot Communal Democracy Party (TDP) have called for more active involvement of the European Union in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after a meeting at AKEL headquarters in Nicosia, the party Secretary General Andros Kyprianou said that since Cyprus accession in 2004, EU has not done much regarding the substance of the problem.

“We believe that the EU could and should play a greater role in the efforts”, he said and called on the EU, the European Parliament and the member –states to do so.

On his part the newly elected President of the Communal Democracy Party Cemal Ozyigit said that not only the EU but also other interested parties should contribute decisively in the process.

“Those who try to move things behind the scenes must come to the forefront and show their real intentions,” he said, adding “what is important is the Cypriot themselves to say clearly and timely what they really want as a solution to the Cyprus problem.”

The two parties agreed on the framework of a solution, with a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, which leads to a unified state with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and citizenship.

The two parties also pointed out that they share the same concerns regarding the delay in reaching a joint statement to help resume the negotiations and called on the leaders of the island’s two communities to reach an agreement on the matter as soon as possible.

On the issue of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, both parties agreed that it should be returned to its legal owners and the city’s port should be used for direct trade with the EU.

Furthermore Kyprianou expressed the belief that a correct solution of the Cyprus problem will give impetus to the required growth for the recovery of the economy. Ozyigit said that the natural gas reserves found in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the water that will be transported from Turkey to Cyprus’ occupied areas could also contribute to this process.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated UN-led efforts to find a negotiated settlement have so far failed. A renewed effort began in September this year, with meetings between the two negotiators.