On Tuesday 13 October, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, requested on behalf of the EU, the closure of Varosha beach, which was opened to the public on 8 October following a decision by the self-declared Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey (see EUROPE 12579/4, 12576/23).
“The EU reaffirms the importance of full compliance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and calls for the immediate reversal of the recent measures taken”, said the High Representative in his statement on behalf of the EU27, highlighting the importance of Varosha's status as defined in the relevant UNSC resolutions.
Supporting the speedy resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, the EU stresses that it remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, including UNSC resolutions 550 and 789, and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. “The Union expects the same from Turkey”, warns the High Representative.
The EU stands ready to play an active role in supporting the negotiations, including by appointing a representative to the UN Good Offices Mission as soon as the talks resume, the High Representative also announced. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)