The UN continue to monitor development concerning Varosha, and their position on this issue remains unchanged, UN spokesperson in Cyprus, Aleem Siddique has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
Invited to comment on developments regarding the fenced-off city of Famagusta, known as Varosha, in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, in the light of an event organized on Saturday in Varosha by the Turkish Bar Association with the participation of Turkish officials, Siddique told CNA that “we continue to monitor developments in Varosha closely. The UN’s position remains unchanged as per relevant Security Council resolutions,” he added.
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 should be extended to include Varosha.
Efforts over the years for the legitimate citizens of Famagusta to return to the city have met with the refusal of the Turkish side, despite numerous decisions and resolutions by the UN, EU and other international institutions.
Kudret Ozersay, the “foreign minister” of the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, arranged in late August a press visit for Turkish Cypriot and Turkish journalists and media in the fenced – off part of Famagusta for the first time in 45 years and announced that he will gradually open the city.
UN Security Council President Jerry Matthews Matjila said on October 9, 2019, after a Security Council’s closed meeting which examined Cyprus’ appeal on the issue of Famagusta that no actions should be carried out in relation to Varosha that are not in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions, including Resolution 550 (1984) and Resolution 789 (1992).
