Commission says return of Varosha a key element of Cyprus solution

The European Commission believes that the return of the fenced off town of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants will be one of the key elements for the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

A Commission's press release notes that “it is clear that the return of the city of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants is due to be one of the key elements of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem”, adding that it “fully supports efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem”.

It also clarifies that ''it fully supports and is ready to assist in any effort to solve the problem that could be agreed between the two leaders of the two communities(in the context of the ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations) and is agreeable to the principles of the European Union, including the issue of Famagusta / Varosha”.

The Commission issued the press release to express its regret for the "misinterpretation of a response given to a Cypriot journalist's question", adding that "our response was not referring to the proposal of President of the Republic of Cyprus".

The Cypriot President has announced three proposals on the Cyprus issue. One of them urges Turkey to implement UN Security Council resolution 550, which calls for the transfer of the fenced off area of Varosha (on the east), in Famagusta, now under Turkish occupation, to the administration of the United Nations. Part of this proposal is the opening of the port of Famagusta under EU auspices to benefit the Turkish Cypriots.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha (the fenced off area of Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN.

The UN – led Cyprus talks resumed in September 2008 between President Christofias and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks continue now with Eroglu, who succeeded Talat in April this year.