Cyprus has condemned the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s planned for tomorrow to the coastal settlement of Varosha, which was once populated by Greek Cypriots. The district of the port city of Famagusta, which was closed until a few weeks ago, is under the control of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey.
Erdogan’s visit is an „unprecedented provocation“ and contradicts the resolutions of the UN Security Council, said the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades, in writing on Saturday. He undermined the efforts of the UN to initiate new negotiations to overcome the division of the Mediterranean island.
Despite international criticism, the Turkish Cypriot government partially opened Varosha in early October for the first time since 1974. A large stretch of beach has since been made available to vacationers and locals. Two central streets have been re-paved and lead through the city to the beach. Erdogan plans to visit this part of town to celebrate on the beach. The German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas described the partial opening as a completely unnecessary and provocative step.
