Ambassador of Bulgaria to Cyprus, Lyubomir Todorov, has expressed his country`s firm support to efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, according to the relevant UN resolutions.
Speaking during a meeting he had on Friday, with House President, Annita Demetriou, Todorov underlined, according to a House press release, that unilateral actions, as those related to the fenced off city of Famagusta (Varosha), which are contrary to the UN Security Council relevant resolutions and are outside the agreed solution framework, are not accepted by his country.
On her part, Demetriou expressed sincere appreciation for the stance of principles which Bulgaria maintains as regards the Cyprus problem, based on the international law.
She underlined that the aim of the Greek Cypriot side remains the resumption of the negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus problem the soonest, according to the UN relevant resolutuions and fully in line with the European principles and values.
Demetriou stressed that claims towards the opposite direction cannot be accepted by the Greek Cypriot side, but also by the EU and the international community in general.
According to the press release, both sides underlined the traditionally friendly relations between Cyprus and Bulgaria and the prospects to further enhance cooperation and exchanges, especially between the parliaments of the two countries, at various levels, and in the framework of the parliamentary diplomacy.
The House President also underlined the need for the EU to collectively address the migration crisis, on the basis of the principles of solidarity with the frontline countries and of a more equitable burden allocation among all member states.
Demetriou and Todorov also exchanged views on diaspora and education issues.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Numerous rounds of talks under the UN aegis to reunite the island under a federal roof failed to yield results.
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. 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.
Source: Cyprus News Agency