President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has said that return of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta to its legitimate citizens is a priority for the government and pledged to continue efforts so that Turkey respects UN resolution 550, which calls for the transfer of the area to the administration of the United Nations.

In a speech at the anti-occupation event organized by the Turkish occupied Famagusta Municipality, President Christofias recalled that last year he had put forward a three-tier proposal in a bid to help make headway at the Cyprus talks he is currently engaged with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Dervis Eroglu.

One of the proposals was the implementation of Security Council resolution 550 which provides for the return of the fenced off area of Varosha, now under Turkish occupation, to the UN.

“The return of the town would help create a good climate to both communities and give new impetus to the Cyprus negotiations, while it would also facilitate Turkey’s EU process”, President Christofias said, explaining that such a move would enable Cyprus to have a positive approach as regards the opening of new EU – Turkey negotiation chapters.

He reassured the legitimate inhabitants of Varosha that despite the course of the Cyprus talks, “we will continue having as our priority the UNSC resolution 550 which provides for the return of the town to its legitimate inhabitants”.