UN Security Council demands reversal of decision to reopen Cyprus' Varosha
Jul 24, 2021
United Nations July 24: The UN Security Council on Friday demanded the reversal of the decision to reopen a part of the fenced-off area of Varosha in Cyprus.
Cyprus was split along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey intervened militarily following a coup by Athens-backed Greek Cypriots. Varosha, a part of the Cypriot city of Famagusta, has been deserted ever since.
"The Security Council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July 20, 2021, on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of Varosha. The Security Council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements," says a presidential statement adopted by the council on Friday.
"The Security Council calls for the immediate reversal of this course of action and the reversal of all steps taken on Varosha since October 2020. The Security Council underscores the need to avoid any further unilateral actions not in accordance with its resolutions and that could raise tensions on the island and harm prospects for a settlement," the statement adds.
The Security Council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions, including the transfer of Varosha to UN administration and of respect for the freedom of movement of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, says the statement.
The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement in accordance with the wishes of the Cypriot people, and based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions, and its support for the UN secretary-general's efforts, says the statement.
The Security Council reiterates that any attempt to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants is inadmissible and that no actions should be carried out in relation to Varosha that are not in accordance with its resolutions
Source: Xinhua
