01/10/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 1 October, Republic of Cyprus Independence Day, two Cypriot MEPs called for European solidarity with their country at a time when the unification of the island is still awaited. "The EU should again send a message to Turkey to say that it is unacceptable for an EU state to be occupied by a third country", Lefteris Christoforou (EPP) said at the opening of the European Parliament's plenary session. For Takis Hadjigeorgiou (GUE/NGL), it is "essential that each does what he can for there to be solidarity and cooperation between the member states" to show that they support the independence of Cyprus. Following applause from other MEPs present, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said the plenary supported the position taken by the two Cypriots. (CG)