European Union remains focused on finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and condemns once again Turkey’s actions in the fenced off town of Varosha, President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said, responding to a question by Cyprus MEP Loukas Fourlas.
In the letter, sent to the press Thursday by the office of the MEP, von der Leyen noted that Turkey’s commitment to finding a solution is significant adding that all the interventions made towards Ankara, are to this end.
As regards Varosha, she underlines that EU has condemned all actions by Turkey and has described as unacceptable all statements made by Turkey’s President Tayip Erdogan and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Ersin Tatar, in July 2021 about the opening of the town.
Von der Leyen says that EU has called on Turkey to revoke its unilateral actions and to terminate all measures taken so far in the area since October 2020 and reminds of the UN resolutions on Varosha.
She notes that no action is to be taken as regards Varosha that does not comply with UN resolutions.
The President of the Commission also notes that in 2019 the European Council has taken certain measures as a response to Turkey’s actions and in support and solidarity with Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta is often described as a “ghost town”, and the UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) urged that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, should be extended to include Varosha.
Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, announced in July 2021 a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha and 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