Tensions continue to rise on the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus after a decision by the Turkish-Cypriot pseudo-state, located in the Turkish-occupied north of the island republic, to open a portion of the ghost town of Famagusta, known as Varosha, for commercial gain, in a manner blatantly violating UN Security Council resolutions.
According to the Cypriot government in the free part of the island, such a decision threatens the archaeological sites, historical monuments and ecclesiastical properties in the closed off area.
Speaking after meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides, on the sidelines of an economist conference, Greek minister of foreign affairs Nikos Dendias stated that Turkey continues to act illegally in defiance of UN resolutions, as well as illegally drilling for energy in Cypriot waters and Ankara’s instrumentalization of migrants.
He also noted a United Nations declaration in 1983 condemned Turkey backing a government on the occupied side, where there are still 35,000 Turkish troops.