The need for Britain to take a more active role in securing the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants and ending the Turkish occupation of Cyprus was highlighted by British politicians and representatives of the Cypriot community during the annual parliamentary event organised by the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, held earlier this week at the British Parliament.
The event, held under the auspices of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, was attended by members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, diplomats, including the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyriacos Kouros, and representatives of Cypriot organisations.
Speakers addressed the continuing Turkish occupation and the need to intensify international diplomatic pressure on Ankara to ensure compliance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In his keynote address, the President of the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, Dr Vassilis Mavrou, called on the British government, as one of the three guarantor powers of the Republic of Cyprus and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to take more decisive initiatives on the Cyprus issue.
In particular, he urged the government to consider targeted sanctions and other coordinated diplomatic and economic measures to put pressure on Turkey to comply with international law.
He made specific reference to UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 concerning Varosha, stressing that the return of the fenced-off area to its lawful inhabitants could serve as an important confidence-building measure between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
He also expressed concern over the construction and sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas without the consent of their lawful owners, while reaffirming the Association’s support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
“Fifty-two years after the Turkish invasion, Famagusta is still waiting for justice. We are not asking for favours. We are not asking for privileges. We demand the implementation of international law, United Nations resolutions and the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants,” he stressed.
During the event, seven figures from British political life were honoured for their longstanding contribution to promoting the Cyprus issue and keeping the question of Famagusta on the political agenda.
Commemorative plaques were presented to Sir Roger Gale, Bob Blackman, Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Alan Meale, David Burrowes, Theresa Villiers and Mike Freer.
The Famagusta Association expressed its gratitude to the honourees for their efforts to keep the Cyprus issue on the agenda of the British Parliament.
The event concluded with the Association reaffirming its commitment to continuing its efforts to secure the return of Famagusta in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
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.