Cyprus Defence Minister, Charalambos Petrides, has said that what is sought is a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis os the agreed framework and the UN Security Council resolutions and not economic sanctions against Turkey, noting however that sanctions will remain on the table as long as Turkey continues to maintain tensions.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Economist Cyprus Virtual Summit, Petrides underlined that Cyprus has been promoting cooperation with certain countries in the region aiming at stability. He said that this scheme of cooperation is open to other countries as well, as long as there is respect of the international law and relations of good neighbourhood.

Referring to recent statements by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot officials, he said they are asking for a two state solution, something which is opposed and in absolute contradiction to the agreed basis of a bizonal bi communal federation and is also against to all the UN Security Council resolutions, the international law and the EU law, principles and values.

He criticized Turkey for escalating tensions with Cyprus and Greece, noting that Cyprus is seeking good neighbourhood relations and the enhancement of cooperation with the countries of the region. 

“Cyprus has no option but to continue to cooperate with all those that embrace common European principles and values and of course international law,” he noted, underlining that “in this respect we would call on Turkey to accept Cyprus’ invitation and engage in serious negotiations for the Cyprus problem, in good faith, and always in accordance with the international law and with the objective of an agreement both for the maritime delimitation and of course the whole situation of Cyprus. Of course there is the right to the International Court of Justice, if Turkey prefers it,” he added.

To a question about the discussion for sanctions against Turkey, Petrides said that “economic sanctions are not the way forward, but it they are maintaining tensions like in Varosha, then they should be on the table. That’s not the main task. The main task and issue is to return to the table and find a solution based on international law and the UN Security Council resolutions,” he noted.

Moreover he said that while Turkey escalates provocations, Cyprus` close partners have shown their level of solidarity, adding at the same time that the EU family has to show its diplomacy and be more effective.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The latest UN backed round of talks took place in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana but failed to yield any results.

The Turkish side illegally opened on October 8 part of the beach of the abandoned town of Famagusta, in violation to numerous UN resolutions.
 
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 be extended to include Varosha.