The allegations of a recent publication in relation to the sale of hotels in the fenced area of Varosha (Varoshi) are being investigated, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, noting that sales documents concerning the sale of properties in the TRNC by Greek Cypriots to non-Greek Cypriots are not accepted and no relevant title deeds are issued.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Kombos, had a meeting on Tuesday with the Mayor and members of the Famagusta Municipality Municipal Council. Foreign Ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis told CNA that the meeting was scheduled in advance to discuss the broader issue of Famagusta, exchange views and discuss further actions after Kombos took office.
The discussion covered all aspects and developments concerning the city of Famagusta and there was a substantial exchange of views and concerns, he said.
“Regarding the issue raised, the Minister stressed that the issue of sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas is particularly serious and that the co-competent authorities of the Republic are investigating the allegations contained in the recent publication in the Turkish Cypriot press in relation to the sale of hotels in the fenced area of Varosha,” he said. The matter continues to be investigated in all its ramifications and contact with the Municipality will be continuous, he added.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that sales documents concerning the sale of property in the TRNC by Greek Cypriots to non-Greek Cypriots “are not accepted and no relevant title deeds are issued”.
He also noted that South Cyprus expresses deep concern by this development as well as by Turkey’s recent actions to colonize the fenced area of Varosha.
The only way out, he added, remains the implementation of the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions (550 of 1984 and 789 of 1992). “The Government has, from the first day of assuming power, made clear in all directions its unwavering commitment to the framework of the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation, with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and this is where President Christodoulides’ initiative for EU contribution is aimed at, so that the resumption of talks can be resumed as soon as possible.” Mr Gotsis said.
He noted that the UN Security Council considers attempts to colonize any part of Varosha by persons other than its inhabitants as unacceptable and calls for the transfer of this area to UN administration.
Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the purchase of hotels in closed Varoshi
