|
19 September 2003
Source: Cyprus Mail
Author:
Return of Varosha the only acceptable solution
THE
GOVERNMENT yesterday demanded the return of the abandoned ghost town of
Varosha outside occupied Famagusta, after Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash on Wednesday repeated his intention to resettle the area.
Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said Denktash has
repeatedly made statements about the opening of Famagusta, but never
made such a gesture. “What he adds in his proposal is that the area will
be also under UN administration. In any case, he insists that that the
area should come under Turkish Cypriot administration,” he said.
“This is not acceptable, what we insist is that the town of
Famagusta be returned to its legitimate citizens, as provided by the
high level agreements and the UN resolutions”, Chrysostomides said.
Denktash said on Wednesday the Turkish side was continuing to make
preparations for the introduction of new measures, which would include
the opening of Varosha for resettlement in co-operation with the United
Nations.
He said that the Vakiflar, Turkish Cypriot religious foundations,
did not want to see the properties deteriorate, and in order to prevent
further decay of unclaimed Greek Cypriot properties, the Turkish side
was considering the leasing of these properties.
Since 1974, Turkish troops have had control of the abandoned town
but under a UN resolution the status quo must be maintained in the
absence of a Cyprus settlement."
|
