2.2 million visitors since Varosha's reopening, Tatar says

Long-term goals for Varosha include the demolition and reconstruction of some buildings, as well as the renovation of others, which would contribute to the economy of the Turkish-occupied north, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said.

In an interview with Turkey’s Anadolu news agency marking the fourth anniversary of the illegal reopening of the fenced-off area of Famagusta, Tatar said the move had brought significant political and economic benefits to the north. He noted that the reopening began during his term as “prime minister” and that 2.2 million visitors had come to Varosha since its initial opening. "Ninety percent of tourists visiting the 'TRNC' have definitely visited Varosha," he said, referring to the self-declared state in the north. Tatar emphasized that the area is under the “sovereignty” of the 'TRNC' and that reopening it fulfilled the policy of two states with equal sovereignty.

Tatar also linked the reopening of Varosha to the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, stating that as an independent Turkish state in the Mediterranean, they exercised their sovereign rights to strengthen the 'TRNC’s' independence and freedom. He added that their initial goal of opening certain areas for public use had been achieved and that their long-term aim is to demolish and rebuild some buildings in Varosha, while renovating others to contribute to the national economy.

Regarding property issues, Tatar expressed hope that problems would be resolved through the Immovable Property Commission. He argued that much of Cyprus became waqf property after 1571, and that Britain transferred the ownership of Varosha’s waqf properties to Greek Cypriots contrary to the 1878 agreement. He mentioned that the EVKAF (the Turkish Cypriot religious foundation) was working on the matter and that the judiciary was considering their objections.

Tatar reminded that Varosha had been on the negotiating table during the 2004 Annan Plan referendum and the 2017 Crans-Montana talks, where the possibility of returning it to Greek Cypriots was discussed. He claimed that Greek Cypriots rejected both the federation and Varosha, and that federation-based negotiations are now a thing of the past. “The northern part of Cyprus will continue on its own path,” he said, stressing that all rights over Varosha belong to the north as a “sovereign state.”

Anadolu also reported that on June 18, 2019, the “cabinet” decided to take measures for Varosha’s reopening and conduct a scientific inventory study. On October 8, 2020, parts of Democracy Avenue and the coastline were opened, and on July 12, 2021, another area was demilitarized, converting 3.5% of the region into a civilian area. Authorities are continuing to invite Greek Cypriots and third-country nationals with property in Varosha to apply to the Immovable Property Commission.

[Information sourced from CNA]