Cyprus: Erdogan Varosha visit ‘an unprecedented provocation’

SANAA, Nov. 15 (YPA) – The Turkish president’s presence in the north for the celebrations for the 37th anniversary of the unilateral proclamation of the pseudo-state, plus his visit to the fenced area of Varosha, are an unprecedented provocation, Cyprus said on Saturday.

In a written statement, the government said Erdogan’s visit contravened UN Security Council resolutions 550 and 789 that call among other things, for the transfer of Varosha to UN administration. Resolution 550 also reiterates the call upon all states “not to recognise the purported State of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’”.

Ankara’s s moves also “undermine the UN secretary-general’s efforts to convene an informal five-party meeting and do not contribute to creating a favourable, positive climate for the resumption of talks on resolving the Cyprus issue.”

Several attempts at peace have collapsed since the Greek Cypriots rejected, in 2004, the plan put forward by the then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, for the reunification of the island.

Talks between the two sides are stalled, mainly for the lost property of both sides and the deployment of thousands of Turkish soldiers in the north of the island.

Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and France are experiencing increasing tension over the dispute between Ankara and Athens over water exploration rights and maritime borders.

The internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government in Cyprus has long been at odds with Turkey, which began oil and gas exploration near Cyprus last year.

E.M