London:The Famagusta Association of Great Britain has called on the UK to increase its efforts in securing the return of Famagusta to its rightful residents and to end the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. This appeal was made during their annual parliamentary event at the British Parliament, highlighting the need for more active British involvement.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the event, organized under the auspices of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, saw participation from members of both the House of Commons and House of Lords, diplomats, including the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyriacos Kouros, and representatives from Cypriot organizations. Discussions focused on the ongoing Turkish occupation and the necessity of enhancing international diplomatic pressure on Ankara to ensure adherence to United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Dr. Vassilis Mavrou, President of the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, delivered the keynote address, urging the British government, given its role as a guarantor power of the Republic of Cyprus and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to initiate more decisive actions regarding the Cyprus issue. He suggested targeted sanctions and other diplomatic and economic measures to pressure Turkey into complying with international law, specifically referencing UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 concerning Varosha.

Dr. Mavrou also expressed concerns about the construction and sale of Greek Cypriot properties in occupied areas without their lawful owners' consent. He reaffirmed the Association's support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, demanding the implementation of international law and the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

The event also honored seven British political figures for their contributions to promoting the Cyprus issue, presenting commemorative plaques to Sir Roger Gale, Bob Blackman, Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Alan Meale, David Burrowes, Theresa Villiers, and Mike Freer. The Famagusta Association expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining the Cyprus issue on the British Parliament's agenda.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the Association's commitment to continuing its efforts to ensure the return of Famagusta in line with United Nations resolutions. Cyprus has remained divided since Turkey's 1974 invasion, with Varosha, a section of Famagusta, described as a 'ghost town' under Turkish control. UN resolutions 550 and 789 call for the area's return to its original inhabitants and its administration by the UN.