UK concerned over Varosha, reiterates call for flexibility

The UK continues to follow the situation in Varosha “with concern”, Foreign Minister for the European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton stated in response to a question by Conservative MP Matthew Offord.

The pro-Cypriot north London MP had enquired about discussions the Foreign Office had had with the Turkish government to secure Ankara’s compliance with UN resolutions on Varosha.

The British Foreign Minister responded that the issue had been with Ankara both before and after the action taken by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to open up the shoreline of the fenced-off area in October 2020. 

She also said that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had raised the issue of Varosha during his call with the Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu on 19 November. Additionally, during his trip to Cyprus on 4 February, he raised it with the Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar.

“The UK strongly supports the numerous Security Council Resolutions covering the issue of Varosha, notably 550 (1984) and 789 (1992). The issue underlines the importance of the sides engaging flexibly at forthcoming informal UN talks and reaching a comprehensive Cyprus Settlement as a matter of urgency,” concluded Mrs Morton.