Letter by the head of the Cyprus delegation to the OSCE PA, Mrs Irene Charalambides.

1402 Nicosia, Cyprus - Tel.: +357-22407304 - Fax: +357-22668611 - Email: international-relations@parliament.cy - www.parliament.cy
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Nicosia, 21 July 2021
Dear Colleague,
Following my intervention at the meeting of the Standing Committee early July,
regarding Turkey’s escalating provocations against the Republic of Cyprus and
particularly the illegal opening of the fenced area (Varosha) of the occupied town of
Famagusta, Ι am addressing to you this letter to inform you of further worrisome
developments occurring at this very moment in Cyprus.
The Turkish President has paid yesterday an illegal visit to the occupied territory of
the Republic of Cyprus to “celebrate” the 47th anniversary of the Turkish invasion in
Cyprus. A delegation from the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan also
attended the “celebrations”. On this occasion, Mr Erdogan and the leader of the
illegal occupation regime subordinate to Turkey, Mr Tatar, announced the opening
of 3,5% land of the “ghost town” of Varosha under Turkish-Cypriot administration.
Furthermore, they “invited” the lawful owners of the land in Famagusta, all being
Greek Cypriots, to claim the restitution of their properties, only under Turkish
Cypriot administration and not under UN administration, as stipulated by relevant
UN Security Council Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992).
We strongly condemn this illegal attempt to alter the established status-quo of the
fenced area of Varosa. Such an action constitutes yet another blatant violation of
international Law and the pertinent UN Security Council Resolutions by Turkey.
This escalation is part-and-parcel of Turkey’s expansionist policy against the
Republic of Cyprus, through the creation of new faits accomplis on the ground and
within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Turkey’s aggressive and illegal behaviour
further exacerbates tension and undermines the stability and security in the Eastern
Mediterranean region.
For some time now Turkey openly proclaims the creation of “two states”, as a
settlement of the Cyprus problem, in blatant disregard of international Law and
pertinent UN Resolutions which explicitly reject, along with the European Union
and the entire international community, a “two-state” solution for Cyprus. Turkey’s
partitionist stand severely undermines efforts to find a common ground that will
allow the resumption of talks towards achieving a just and viable settlement of the
Cyprus problem.
Dear Colleague,
The Helsinki Final Act principles must be strictly adhered to by all participating
States, as an essential precondition, so that the OSCE can achieve its aspirations and
OSCEs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2020-21
OSCE Alm.del - Bilag 34
Offentligt
1402 Nicosia, Cyprus - Tel.: +357-22407304 - Fax: +357-22668611 - Email: international-relations@parliament.cy - www.parliament.cy
goals as the largest regional security organisation. May I also recall that, in its Berlin
Final Declaration, the OSCE PA calls upon participating States which, in violation of
international law, have occupied areas of other states turning them into ghost towns,
to immediately restore the human rights of the lawful inhabitants forcibly expelled
from these areas, as well as to respect the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.
The UN has reaffirmed that the status of Varosha remains unchanged and is
specifically defined by the relevant Security Council Resolutions, while the EU High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has expressed great concern
over the possibility of a change of the status of Varosha.
Therefore, I kindly appeal to you to exhibit your solidarity with the Republic of
Cyprus, not only by condemning such actions but also by calling upon your
Government to invite Turkey to reverse its illegal actions in Varosha and abide by
international law and UN resolutions.
Seizing this opportunity to renew our sentiments of appreciation and esteem to you,
I remain at your disposal for further communication regarding this or other matters
of common concern.
Yours sincerely,
Irene Charalambides,
Head of the Cyprus delegation to the OSCE PA