We will continue to hope for freedom and keep the faith as regards returning to our city, Mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, said Saturday, in his speech at the Municipality’s annual anti-occupation event held in Deryneia, during which he asked the President of the Republic to include the fenced-off area of Famagusta in the confidence-building measures (CBMs) and to officially support bicommunal initiatives.

Noting that for 51 years since Cyprus’ Turkish occupation, the status quo “has changed and is constantly changing”, Ioannou said that 47 years have passed since the first proposals for the return of the fenced off area of Famagusta to its inhabitants, while also giving an overview of the plans, proposals and actions concerning Famagusta, concluding that five years have passed since Turkey opened without anyone stopping her, the fenced off area of the town.

All these years, he added, faits accomplis are being created as regards the Turkish occupation, while also referring to “new obstacles, new international conditions, new risks of conflict”.

He noted that to the question that many are often asked whether they actually believe that they will ever return to their homes, “the answer can only be affirmative.” “Yes, I truly believe that we can go back,” he added, pointing out that the goal is to pave the way to freedom for all Cypriots.

I insist on emphasising once again, that, “as long as the possibility of returning to our city remains feasible and realistic, the Turkish aspirations of perpetuating and legitimising the partition, and for a two-state solution, cannot be achieved,” Ioannou said.

Addressing President Christodoulides, Ioannou said, “we are at your disposal, to be your support in the effort to resolve the Cyprus problem”, noting that against all odds, “we are the ones who can show everyone that the Cypriots have will, they have hope, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are fighting together for a reunification solution and that the only obstacle is Turkey”.

He noted however, that, in order “to mobilise this force that has laid dormant”, hope, support and organisation are required. “The fenced-off area of Famagusta needs to be included as a demand among the CMBs”, he said, while also asking for official support by the Republic of Cyprus to the bicommunal initiatives, so that they are strengthened “within the right framework” so that they will gain momentum.

Ioannou also said that the Municipality of Famagusta is part of the forces “that will not only resist, but will overturn pessimism, cynicism and will project a vision that overturns the Turkish plans to annex our land” and called on everyone to support this.

“Join us, because we will continue anyway. We will continue to hope for freedom. We will continue to hope for peace, to have faith in returning, to have faith in Famagusta,” he said, noting that Famagusta is not a ghost of the past, “it does not haunt us, it is Spring, it is a promise for the future.”

Before the main part of the event, a march was held towards the Deryneia crossing point, where a resolution of the Municipality of Famagusta was presented to the UNFICYP. In the resolution, the Municipal Council of Famagusta, calls on Turkey “to immediately cease its unlawful actions in Famagusta, respect International Law and UN resolutions, and contribute constructively to the effort to find a comprehensive solution”. It also demands Turkey’s return of the enclosed area to its lawful inhabitants under UN administration.

The Municipal Council urges the Cypriot Government “to realistically assess the new realities of its strategy on the Cyprus issue and to undertake new political and diplomatic initiatives at both European and international levels, aiming to bring Turkey back to the negotiating table”.

It also “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a solution of a Bi-zonal, Bicommunal Federation with political equality, as outlined in relevant UN resolutions and high-level agreements”, and expresses “deep concern over the prolonged absence of substantive dialogue and the intransigence of the Turkish side, which promotes a two-state solution—an approach entirely contrary to the framework of UN resolutions and the agreed basis for a solution”.

It also appeals to the United Nations, the European Union, and the governments of the five permanent members of the Security Council “to intensify pressure on Turkey to abandon its provocative and destabilizing actions and to return to the negotiating table with a constructive spirit”.

The Municipal Council also welcomes the progressive forces within the Turkish Cypriot community who oppose division, support reunification, uphold international law, and advocate for a just, sustainable solution and calls on the Cypriot Government to strengthen cooperation with these groups and to support initiatives that promote contact and collaboration between the two communities.

“Our struggle is based on mutual respect and cooperation among all communities of the Republic of Cyprus – Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins – within the framework of the internationally recognized state entity, regardless of religion or ethnicity, guided by justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence in a free, united homeland”, it said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Varosha, the fenced off section of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, is often described as a ‘ghost town’.

UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. UN Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.

On October 8, 2020, the Turkish side opened part of the fenced area of Varosha, following an announcement made in Ankara on October 6. Then, in July 2021, Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, announced a partial lifting of the military status in Varosha.

In his latest UNFICYP report, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, notes that no steps were taken to address the call made by the Security Council in 2024 for the immediate reversal of the action taken since October 2020. The EU has also expressed concern.

Source: Parikiaki.com