The strong condemnation but also the intention of Washington to react to the Turkish plans for the enclosed area of Varos was announced by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. The US diplomat assured that the US is currently in contact with like-minded partners in order to refer the matter to the UN Security Council, where they will ask for its strong reaction.
Mr Blinken spoke of an unacceptable decision, expressing unequivocal condemnation of the United States and urging Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to radically change their policy on the Varosha issue. As he characteristically noted, “the United States considers the Turkish Cypriot actions in Varosha, with the support of Turkey, as provocative, unacceptable, and incompatible with their previous commitments to participate constructively in talks for the settlement (of the Cyprus issue). We urge the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey to reverse their decision announced today and all the measures they have taken since October 2020. ”
Incompatible moves
Continuing, the US Secretary of State reminded that the Turkish moves are clearly incompatible with UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789, which explicitly require the management of Varosha by the United Nations. In this context, he stressed the importance of avoiding provocative unilateral actions that increase tensions on the island.
Turkish Cypriots, with Ankara’s help, ignore calls from international community
Mr Blinken says the Turkish Cypriots, backed by Ankara, have systematically ignored calls from the international community and the UN Security Council since October 2020, continuing to insist on unilateral action in Varosha. The intervention of the head of the American diplomacy ends with the formulation of the firm position of the USA on the Cyprus issue, which supports the finding of a solution on the basis of a bi-zonal and bi-communal federation, according to the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
“We underline the importance of avoiding provocative unilateral actions that increase tensions on the island and hinder efforts to resume talks on resolving the Cyprus issue, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. “We remain supporters of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem for the reunification of the island on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, for the benefit of all Cypriots and the wider region,” he said.
Latest News
Poll: Greeks, EU Citizens Eager to Vote in European Elections
EU citizens are eager to vote in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in June, with eight in 10 saying the current geopolitical situation makes voting imperative
Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting in Ankara Fixed for May 13
The Greek PM himself made the announcement from Brussels on Thursday, while he also responded to a question on Athens' intent to create a marine park in the central Aegean, an environmental initiative
Greece Aims to Boost Energy Capacity, Economy with Offshore Wind Farms
Greece’s Energy Ministry is pushing legislation to accelerate the construction of the first floating wind farms in Greek seas
Reuters: Greek Economy Surges After Decade of Pain
Nevertheless, the article also highlights some of the challenges facing the country, with a falling birthrate and labor shortages posing a threat to the long-term outlook
IMF: Greek Growth in 2024 at 2%; Debt to Ease to 158.8% of GDP This Year
Projected consumer prices are forecast to rise by 2.7%
Major Increase in Russian Natgas Imports by Greece in 1Q 2024
Russian state natgas exporter Gazprom dominated imports to the country, mostly through the overland pipeline entering via a northern frontier pipeline
Lamda Development Announces First Profitable Year for The Ellinikon Project
The ATHEX-listed developer reported 206 million euros in EBITDA for FY23, a 69%-percent increase from 2022 results
Europa Nostra Adds Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros to Most Endangered List
Europa Nostra says three Greek islands are at risk due to surge in tourism development and rampant construction
EU Cracks Down on Social Media Influencers Making Illegal Profits
A recent EU inquiry uncovered 358 online influencers, among them 20 in Greece, found to be violating consumer laws
Greek PM Announces €2 Billion Decarbonization Fund for Greek Islands
Greece bolstered its drive for a greener economy with the launch of a €2 Billion Decarbonization Fund for the Greek islands