The set of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) which Nicosia promotes can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst for the effort to reach a lasting solution, Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, has said.
In a speech on Wednesday evening during a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Cyprus, Elke Merks-Schaapveld, on the occasion of the King’s Day in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kasoulides said that the implementation of these CBMs concerns, among others, the fenced area of Varosha, the airport of Tymbou, the port of Famagusta, as well as issues pertaining the Cyprus problem in general. “It will also enhance our efforts to convince Turkey to refrain from its illegal actions in Varosha and within Cyprus’ maritime zones,” he added.
Moreover, he noted that “despite Turkey’s continued provocations, our side remains focused in creating conducive conditions for the resumption of the negotiations the soonest possible. To this end, I have put forward a proposal consisting of win-win Confidence Building Measures to end the ongoing impasse and after a long period pave the way for peace talks to resume,” Kasoulides said.
He went on to say that “this is the state of play at the moment with regard to the Cyprus question” and assured of his “strong commitment and determination to engage once again in results-oriented negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem, within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”
Kasoulides also reaffirmed the excellent level of the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the Netherlands. “Over the years, our countries have established a concrete and close cooperation in various fields, reflected at the political and economic levels but also through people-to-people contacts,” he noted.
He added that “the strong bonds of friendship between our countries and peoples have always been based on our joint democratic values and the respect for human rights and the rule of law to address our common challenges, preserve our European values, our solidarity and our vision of the future.”
He noted that “currently the Union is faced with a number of challenges. Our unity in defending our values is now more needed than ever.”
“I am referring, of course, to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the unprecedented challenges it has created. We therefore, stand by Ukraine and its people, conveying our strong support and respect to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine during these difficult times,” Kasoulides stressed.
He said that “Cyprus and our people have their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, as a result of the illegal Turkish military invasion and occupation of Cyprus since 1974.”
Moreover, he recalled that “Turkey proceeds with its illegal plans and activities in the fenced area of Varosha, in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation by the international community, the UN and our EU partners.”
Kasoulides noted that the Netherlands is “a valuable partner for Cyprus and has shown its commitment to stand by the Cypriot people as a valued contributor to UNFICYP as well as to the UN Committee on Missing Persons.”
“I once again thank you for your support to our efforts to reach a viable and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that will end the ongoing Turkish occupation, restore and ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all Cypriots,” he underlined.
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