Cyprus: Locals react to Turkey's plan to reopen Varosha despite Greek objection

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Cypriot locals shared their views on the latest developments surrounding plans by Turkish Cypriot authorities to partially reopen Varosha, the ‘ghost town’ quarter of the Cypriot city of Famagusta.

The resort-style quarter was abandoned following Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus of 1974 that split the disputed island. The area has been a fenced-off Turkish military zone since, with visitors being allowed on-site since November 2020 by the Turkish Cypriot authorities, formally known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Turkish Cypriot authorities revealed plans for the reopening and resettling of Varosha on Tuesday as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the joint Cypriot capital of Nicosia on the 47th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion.

“It is silly for someone to return to their home (in Varosha) under the current regime, because Turkey is a miserable dictatorship and anyone returning under such a regime has no kind of safety whatsoever,” commented Evangelos Knais, a Greek Cypriot refugee.

As part of his visit, Erdogan stressed Turkish support for the efforts of the TRNC.

“I believe that Erdogan’s ultimate goal is to prepare the international community’s opinion to allow for more settlers to come and occupy Varosha,” added Knais.

Ali Mehmetoglu, a tourist, said, “In the past, this city was so lively and living standards were high. I hope this city returns to its former state like before and that more people visit it because it deserves to be visited.”

The announcement made by the TRNC has seen criticism from Greek Cypriots, who view the move as detrimental to ongoing peace talks. Greek Cypriot authorities formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council over the plans.

SOT, Pavlos Karayiorgis, Greek Cypriot refugee (Greek): “Varosha was left in ruins, abandoned for so many years, it has been a diplomatic negotiation card so far and now this is a very challenging and aggressive move, to open it up and exploit it for financial reasons, due to its beautiful beach, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The Varoshians are absolutely correct to protest, and it seems like our politicians here in our state are not making decisive moves for a while now, which the Turks are taking advantage of, moving on with their agenda.”

SOT, Evangelos Knais, Greek Cypriot refugee (Greek): “It is silly for someone to return to their home (in Varosha) under the current regime, because Turkey is a miserable dictatorship and anyone returning under such a regime has no kind of safety whatsoever.”

SOT, Evangelos Knais, Greek Cypriot refugee (Greek): “I believe that Erdogan’s ultimate goal is to prepare the international community’s opinion to allow for more settlers to come and occupy Varosha.”

SOT, Andreas Katsantonis, Greek Cypriot resident (Greek): “I will say this about Varosha: If at any time our stomach again will growl from hunger, then we might see once again Morphou, Varosha and Lysi (occupied towns)”

SOT, Ali Mehmetoglu, Visitor (Arabic): “This is my first visit to the city, my cousin - who studies here - told me about it so I wanted to come and see how people lived here. In the past, this city was so lively and living standards were high. I hope this city returns to its former state like before and that more people visit it because it deserves to be visited.”

#Cyprus #Varosha #Turkey #Greece #Famagusta

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