Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades received Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassadors of Slovakia Martin Bezak, Libya, Quwaydir Abrahim Quwaydir and the Cuba, Angel Gustavo Suarez Cordero, during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
A press release says that the President assured the new Ambassadors that the government will provide them with all possible assistance and support during the performance of their high duties.
He also assured them of his readiness for close cooperation with the aim of further deepening the bilateral relations of the Republic of Cyprus with their countries and expand them in new areas of mutual interest.
The President, the press release reads, expressed his deep gratitude for the principled stance of the three countries on the Cyprus problem and his appreciation for their long-term support in the efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal , a bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
President Anastasiades requested the continuation of the support in the efforts to create the conditions for the resumption of the negotiation process the soonest, pointing out that the Confidence Building Measures he put on the table are to this end.
He also thanked the Ambassadors for the solidarity as regards the Turkish provocations in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and in the fenced off town of Varosha.
The Ambassador of Slovakia, referred to the long-term presence of the Slovak delegation in UNFICYP and the initiatives of the Embassy of Slovakia in Nicosia to promote the dialogue between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties through meetings in Ledra Palace. He also reiterated his country’s determination for contributing to the maintenance of peace on the island and continuous support to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
The Ambassador of Libya expressed his belief in strengthening the cooperation between Cyprus and Libya which will encourage investment and commercial activities between the two countries, with favourable prospects for the future.
The new Ambassador of Cuba referred to the historical ties of friendship that unite the two countries, stressing that Cuba will continue to strongly defend efforts for the peaceful coexistence of all Cypriots in conditions of security and stability.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.
UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.
Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha. On October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. Both the UN Secretary-General and the EU expressed concern, while the UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action. In his latest report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Guterres underlines the importance of adhering fully to UN resolutions, underscoring that the position of the United Nations on this matter “remains unchanged.”
On October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. Both the UN Secretary-General and the EU expressed concern, while the UN Security Council called for the reversal of this course of action.
Source: Cyprus News Agency