London: The Mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, along with members of the Turkish-occupied city’s Municipal Council, visited London last week to engage in discussions and meetings aimed at highlighting the situation in the fenced-off area of Famagusta and the broader Cyprus issue.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation’s visit focused on raising awareness about the developments in Varosha, a section of Famagusta that has been controversially opened to tourists since 2020. Ioannou emphasized the detrimental impact of this move, accusing the Turkish authorities of financially exploiting the abandoned city under the guise of tourism. During a press conference at the High Commission, Ioannou stressed that their struggle extends beyond Famagusta, touching on wider territorial issues affecting all of Cyprus. He warned that further development in the fenced-off area could severely hinder resolution efforts for the Cyprus conflict.
The municipality’s diplomatic efforts involve engaging with international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States to keep Famagusta’s plight in global discussions. Initiatives include nominating the President of the European Parliament as an honorary citizen and organizing exhibitions to showcase the city’s past and present conditions. Ioannou also highlighted efforts to maintain the city’s social fabric through various community activities.
In response to inquiries about political developments in the occupied areas, Ioannou expressed cautious optimism, viewing Tatar’s non-re-election as a potentially positive development. However, he cautioned that prolonging the current status quo could lead to irreversible changes in Famagusta.
The delegation held meetings with UK Foreign Office officials, MPs, and representatives of the diaspora, who reiterated their support for Cyprus and Famagusta. They pledged assistance in pursuing a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and subsequent occupation of the northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive. The situation in Varosha, described as a ‘ghost town,’ remains particularly contentious, with several UN resolutions calling for its administration to be transferred to the UN. The partial opening of Varosha in 2020 and subsequent changes in its status have drawn international criticism and concern.