We are deeply concerned by the announcements of the President of Turkey and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community on 20 July regarding the further re-opening of the fenced-off area of Varosha. Such unilateral action is regrettable as it would be in contradiction with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions which are fully recognised by the Council of Europe. We call for the reversal of this decision. Dialogue between the two communities should be resumed.
We hope that the statement made by the Presidency of the UN Security Council regarding Varosha – the fenced off part of Famagusta – will contribute towards the renewal of the settlement talks. The Council of Europe stands ready to support the UN-sponsored efforts in this respect. The human rights of all Cypriots should be fully respected on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions and in line with guarantees provided by the European Convention on Human Rights.