The government of Cyprus wants the return of the abandoned city of Famagusta as a first positive and practical step on the part of Turkey, ahead of a new round of United Nations-sponsored negotiations beginning in autumn.
Acting government spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said that President Nicos Anastasiades and the government condemn the continued occupation by Turkey of a large part of Cyprus and urge Turkey to withdraw its forces.
“Today evokes grim memories as 39 years ago, Turkey went ahead with the second phase of its barbaric military invasion in Cyprus, violating all regulations of international law and the UN Charter, even if a ceasefire had been agreed, occupying with the use of weapons, a large part of Mesaoria, Ammochostos, Karpasia and a large part of Morphou”.
Papadopoulos said that the “return of Famagusta to its permanent residents, according to the President’s recent proposal but also according to UN resolutions, will be a first positive step which Turkey can practically show that it is ready to enter a new round of talks, expected to start in a few months, having real will to find a solution to the Cyprus problem”.
On this day, 39 years ago, the Turkish armed forces launched their second offensive against Cyprus, violating every regulation of international law, including the UN Charter, despite the ceasefire that had been agreed.
Turkey invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, and continued its offensive on August 14 of the same year, occupying the best part of Mesaoria, Famagusta, Karpasia and Morphou, uprooting 200,000 refugees and decimating the economy. The Turkish side continues to disregard international calls on Cyprus and continues to hold the city of Famagusta hostage of its occupation. Dubbed a “ghost town”, Famagusta’s fenced off section – called Varosha – remains to this day deserted, abandoned to the elements and patrolled only by U.N. peacekeepers.
Efforts over the years for the legitimate citizens of Famagusta to return to the city have met the refusal of the Turkish side. A new effort has been launched recently by President Anastasiades, who submitted a proposal for the return of Famagusta and the use of its port by the Turkish Cypriots for exports to EU countries.
The President believes this would help build confidence, proving that the two communities on the island could coexist peacefully in conditions of prosperity and peace.
