Cyprus: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the developments around Varosha

The EU expresses its grave concern over the decision to proceed with the “opening” as of 8 October 2020 of part of the fenced area of Varosha, following the announcement made in Ankara on 6 October 2020.

The EU underlines the importance of the status of Varosha, as set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and will continue to be guided by these Resolutions, in particular UN Security Council Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992). In this respect, the EU reiterates that full respect of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions is crucial and calls for the immediate reversal of recent actions.

The EU supports the speedy resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, and remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, including UNSC resolutions 550 and 789, and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. It expects the same of Turkey. The EU stands ready to play an active role in supporting the negotiations, including by appointing, upon resumption, a representative to the UN Good Offices Mission.