The return of Varosha in exchange for international flights to Tymbou

Cyprus' Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides met with EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell on Monday morning, in the margins of today’s Foreign Affairs Council taking place in Brussels.

Kasoulides laid out the philosophy and context of the package of confidence-building measures (CBMs) proposed by the Greek Cypriot side to Borrell, CNA learns.

The Foreign Minister explained the various aspects of the proposals to the High Representative and requested the EU’s contribution in promoting CBMs.

The CBMs include the return of the fenced-off area of Varosha to its inhabitants under UN administration, in return for the opening of the Tymbou airport for international flights, among other proposals.

The Foreign Minister is also scheduled to meet with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.