The U.N. Security Council called on Turkey and Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus on Thursday to close a beach in uninhabitated Varosha
Oct 10, 2020
The U.N. Security Council called on Turkey and the illegally Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus on Thursday to close a beach in uninhabitated Varosha that was opened this week and avoid any unilateral actions “that could raise tensions on the island.”
Varosha´s Greek Cypriot inhabitants fled as Turkish troops advanced in 1974, when Turkey invaded Cyprus following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Since then, the area had been placed under Turkish military control, cordoned off and left to the ravages of time.
About 150,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced from their homes in the summer of 1974, never to return.
The Security Council adopted a resolution in 1984 which said any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its original inhabitants is “inadmissible.” It called “for the transfer of that area to the administration of the United Nations.” A 1992 resolution reaffirmed the 1984 resolution and called for Varosha to be put under control of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Cyprus – but that has not happened.
Read more at https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/10/10/the-u-n-security-council-called-on-turkey-and-turkish-controlled-northern-cyprus-on-thursday-to-close-a-beach-in-uninhabitated-varosha/
Statement by the President of the Security Council
The Security Council reaffirms the status of Varosha as set out in previous United Nations Security Council resolutions, including resolution 550 (1984) and resolution 789 (1992). The Security Council reiterates that no actions should be carried out in relation to Varosha that are not in accordance with those resolutions.
The Security Council expresses its deep concern regarding the announcement in Ankara on 6 October to open the coastline of Varosha and calls for the reversal of this course of action, and for the avoidance of any unilateral actions that could raise tensions on the island.
The Security Council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions.
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement in accordance with the wishes of the Cypriot people, and based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions. In this regard, the Security Council calls on the Cypriot sides and the Guarantor Powers to engage in dialogue constructively and with a sense of urgency following the electoral process in the Turkish Cypriot community.
The Security Council reiterates its support for the Secretary-General and his intention to convene a meeting as agreed between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders in their meeting with the Secretary-General in November 2019.
The Security Council shall remain seized of the matter.
Why Erdogan’s so eager to see Cypriot ghost town reopen
By Fehim Tastekin
Oct 9, 2020
A political tremor has jolted Turkish Cyprus on the eve of presidential elections as Ankara made an 11th-hour attempt to boost its favorite candidate, but the controversial move could have repercussions beyond Turkish Cypriot politics and impact settlement efforts in long-divided Cyprus. Only Turkey recognizes and props up the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Prime Minister Ersin Tatar, one of the front-runners in the Oct. 11 polls, was a guest of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara Oct. 6. In a clearly timed move, the two leaders announced the resumption of a water pipeline from Turkey to the TRNC after nine months of repairs.
They also made a surprise decision to partially reopen the Cypriot coastal town of Varosha, an off-limits military zone since Turkey’s 1974 intervention that sealed Cyprus’ division after years of ethnic strife. Some beaches and an avenue were reopened to the public two days later.
The decision drew UN and EU protests and sparked a political storm in the TRNC as it lacked parliamentary or cabinet approval. Protests over Turkish intervention in favor of Tatar were already rife and even TRNC President Mustafa Akinci, who is running for reelection, has vocally criticized Ankara.
Read more: https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/10/turkey-cyprus-greece-why-erdogan-eager-reopen-varosha.html#ixzz6aY6ed8Bm
