Famagusta Mayor proposes UN survey on fenced city

Alexis Galanos, Mayor of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, has proposed that UN experts carry out a survey for the reconstruction of the fenced – off city of Famagusta, Varosha.
The Mayor noted that such a move would be a big step towards building trust between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities and a test of good will for the Turkish side.
Speaking after a meeting with the leader of the Ecologist Movement, Galanos said that after Easter he will discuss with President Demetris Christofias details of his proposal.
“There is no doubt that implementing this proposal will help the climate towards a final solution of Cyprus problem,” he added.
The proposal was made as discussions between the island's two communities have begun with a view to prepare the ground for substantive negotiations, leading to an overall settlement that will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Since the invasion, Famagusta, on the east, has been under Turkish occupation. The fenced off part of the city is under the direct control of the Turkish military and remains to this day abandoned. Famagusta has been declared by the government of Cyprus a closed port of entry.
The UN has called for the return of the city to its lawful inhabitants but so far Turkey has refused to comply with the UN call.