The foreign ministry of the Republic of Cyprus this week issued a video message “directed to Turkey from the international community”, as it stressed, calling on the Erdogan regime to respect UN Security Council resolutions regarding the abandoned coastal resort of Varosha, and to engage in good will in reference to the Cyprus problem.
The video comes as authoritarian Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to illegally visit the occupied parts of Cyprus today, with the visit to provocatively coinciding with the anniversary of the barbaric Turkish invasion of the island in July 1974.
The international community’s message to #Turkey Pres. #Erdogan ahead of his illegal visit to the occupied part of #Cyprus is clear:
➡️ Respect #UNSC resol’s on #Varosha
➡️ Engage with good will in @UN-led efforts to resolve #Cyprob#Famagusta#ThisIsNotYourHomeland @RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/oaLL04gy5m
— Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) July 17, 2021
Varosha, also known as Famagusta, was once a vibrant city on the east coast of Cyprus. It was turned into a ghost town after its lawful residents were forced to flee by the invading Turkish army, during the unlawful invasion of the island.
Turkey has continued to ignore and blatantly violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which call for Varosha to be transferred to UN administration in order for its lawful inhabitants to be able to return.
Asked to comment on the Turkish provocations in Famagusta, the Archbishop of Cyprus, His Beatitude Chrysostomos, said the people and the Cyprus government should avoid the mistakes of the past and should strive to struggle, as he said, for our country.
The controversial Turkish leader, the Archbishop added, does not work for the sake of the Turkish Cypriots.
In a related development, Cyprus on Sunday paid tribute to all those who lost their lives during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.
Memorial services were held in all districts, in the presence office-holders and ministers, who laid wreaths on behalf of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.
In the town of Paralimni, the Metropolitan of Constantias and Ammohostos, His Grace Vassilios, officiated at a Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. George. All of the parishes in the Metropolis have announced that they will offer Intercessory Prayers for deliverance from the illegal occupation, along with prayers for the repose of the souls of those to sacrificed their life in defense of faith and freedom.
