Russian Ambassador to Cyprus, Stanislav Osadchiy has expressed concern over Turkey`s provocations against Cyprus, both as regards the issue of the fenced off city of Famagusta and Turkish activities within Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Osadchiy who was received on Monday by House President, Adamos Admou, also reaffirmed Russia`s position of principles as regards a Cyprus settlement, based on the UN resolutions.

A House press release said that Adamou thanked Osadchiy for the position of principles and the consistent support of the Russian Federation, particularly as a UN Security Council permanent member, as regards the Cyprus problem.

Adamou expressed concern over the escalating provocations of Turkey against the Republic of Cyprus, and recently in the fenced off city of Famagusta. He criticized the divisive positions of the Turkish side, outside the agreed framework for a Cyprus settlement and its obvious goal to promote these unacceptable positions in view of efforts to resume the process of Cyprus talks.

On his part, the Russian Ambassador congratulated Adamou over his election at the House Presidency and reaffirmed the position of principles of the Russian Federation for a Cyprus settlement, on the basis of the international law and the UN relevant resolutions. Moreover he underlined the attachment of his country to the continuation of the dialogue and the talks towards this end.

Osadchiy expressed concern over Turkey`s provocations against Cyprus, both as regards the issue of the fenced off city of Famagusta and the activities of Turkey within Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.

Adamou and Osadchiy also exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic and its serious repercussions.

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.

Ankara sent on several occasions seismic research vessels to Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to conduct unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, in areas licensed by Cyprus to international energy companies.
 
The European Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and in February 2020, placed two persons under restrictive measures, in relation to Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
 
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.