House of Representatives President Marios Garoyian assured Mayor of Famagusta Alexis Galanos that the House supports and will continue to support efforts for the return of the fenced-off town to its legitimate residents.

Speaking after a meeting with Galanos, Garoyian said they exchanged views about developments in the Cyprus problem, especially matters concerning Famagusta.

Furthermore, he assured that “we will stand by them in the significant efforts they are making to further promote the issue and oblige Turkey to return Famagusta to its legitimate residents.“

Galanos presented Garoyian with copies of letters he had sent to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and letters to the leaders of the EU member states briefing them about his letter to Erdogan and calling on them to intervene towards Ankara, demanding the implementation of UN Security Council and European Parliament resolutions, adding that the new House of Representatives in Cyprus should undertake initiatives to promote the issue.

He noted that the content of the letters was in line with the Government`s policy, the proposals submitted by President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and the unanimous resolution of the House of Representatives.

Galanos noted that the issue of Famagusta exposed the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus and the violation of human rights, and served as an example of Turkish attitude.

He added that the two trumps the Republic of Cyprus could use to expose Turkey were the issue of Famagusta and the destruction of the cultural heritage in the occupied areas.

“Despite the fact that the policy of Turkey is well known, we must do what we must and not allow ourselves, due to Turkish intransigence, to revert into apathy,“ he noted.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.