UK confirms support for UN Security Council resolutions on Famagusta

London confirmed on Monday its support for UN Security Council resolutions in relation to Varosha, the fenced-off part of Famagusta, while noting that a comprehensive settlement would be the best chance to resolve the issue.

Last Saturday, the Turkish Bar Association organized a round table meeting in Varosha, for the first time since 1974, which was attended by Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay and Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül. Oktay stated that Varosha belongs to the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime and took part in a tour of the fenced-off part of Famagusta.

Asked by CNA to comment on the latest Turkish statements and moves, a British High Commission Spokesperson in Nicosia said that “we fully support all relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 550 and 789. The UK remains convinced that a comprehensive settlement is the best chance of resolving these issues.”

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha (the fenced off area of Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN.

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.