The Municipality of Famagusta welcomes the reference of the President of the European Commission Ms. Ursulas von der Leyen to the occupied city of Famagusta, as expressed in her reply letter to the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades.
In her reply letter to the President of the Republic, Mrs. Nicos Anastasiades, the President of the European Commission, shares the strong concerns of President Anastasiades regarding Turkey's illegal actions in Varosia.
The President of the European Commission reiterates the EU's condemnation of the Turkish side's decision to open the enclosed city of Varosia and the expansion of its coastal front, while requesting the reversal of all illegal Turkish actions in Varosia from October 2020.
At the same time, it reaffirms the EU's support for the Security Council resolutions on the status of Varosia, underlining that any attempt to settle any part of the city by persons other than its legal residents would be unacceptable and calling for the transfer of this area in the administration of the United Nations.
Furthermore, President von der Leyen points out the need for all those involved to contribute to the effort for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, including its external aspects, on the basis of the agreed UN framework, as well as the European acquis and the values on which it is based the EU.
The European Commission, the letter states, will continue to make efforts to create a climate that will favor the resumption of negotiations.
Finally, President von der Leyen's letter reiterates the European Commission's support for the Confidence Building Measures proposed by the President of the Republic, which, among other things, would be helpful in restoring trust between the two communities and would facilitate efforts to return to the negotiating table, with the aim of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
At the same time, the hope is expressed that the Turkish Cypriot side will respond constructively to the proposed MOUs.
Municipality of Famagusta