Nicosia: The return of the fenced-off city of Famagusta (Varosha) to its rightful inhabitants could serve as a crucial catalyst for the United Nations Secretary-General's (UNSG) initiatives, potentially paving the way for a mutually beneficial resolution, emphasized President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides in a written statement commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish invasion.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides lamented the enduring wounds from the invasion, paying homage to those who defended the homeland and recognized the struggles of the families of the missing, the fallen, the refugees, and the enclaved. He recounted that during the Geneva peace talks, Turkey advanced its invasion plans, illegally occupying parts of Cyprus, including Famagusta, Morphou, and numerous villages, displacing thousands from their homes.
Reflecting on the prolonged impact of the invasion, the President reiterated the commitment to liberation and ending the occupation, advocating for a viable solution grounded in UN resolutions and EU principles. He highlighted the renewed UN initiative to resume stalled talks since 2017, driven by persistent Greek Cypriot efforts.
The President acknowledged the UNSG's recent visit to Cyprus and the planned expanded meeting, which fosters cautious optimism. He lauded the EU's active involvement, notably the appointment of the European Commission's Executive Vice-President as the EU Envoy for the Cyprus issue, linking progress in EU-Turkey relations to advances in resolving the Cyprus problem.
Christodoulides expressed readiness for constructive dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot leader, acknowledging challenges while emphasizing a commitment to resuming negotiations. He underscored that returning Famagusta to its lawful residents aligns with UN resolutions and would significantly boost the Secretary-General's efforts.
The President concluded by urging unity and national solidarity to end the occupation and reunite Cyprus. The island remains divided since Turkey's 1974 invasion, with repeated UN-facilitated peace talks stalling due to Turkish resistance. The UNSG plans another inclusive meeting, with Mara Angela Holgun and Raffaele Fitto engaging with involved parties, amid concerns over the partial opening of Varosha by Turkish authorities in 2020, contrary to UN resolutions.