EU should play more active role towards Turkey

The EU should have a more active role and exert pressure on Turkey to terminate its hostile attitude and focus on its European course Cypriot MP Ηarris Georgiades, Chair of the Foreign affairs committee told Piero Fassino, rapporteur for Famagusta of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

In a meeting on Monday, in Nicosia, the two men discussed the latest provocations by Turkey in Varosha, the fenced-off part of the city of Famagusta, as well as Turkey's actions in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone. Georgiades noted that Varosha needs to be returned to its lawful residents as the UN resolutions dictate.

He also referred to the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) the President of the Republic put on the table which could facilitate the resumption of talks.

He also said that the EU should exert pressure on Turkey to terminate its hostile attitude and focus on its European course.

Georgiades also said that the provocations in the EEZ violate international law.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Varosha, the fenced-off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a “ghost town”.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.