The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced on Monday 13 December that the EU will work on a sanctions regime regarding the opening of the Cypriot town of Varosha, which violates UN Security Council resolutions.
According to Mr Borrell, discussions between EU foreign ministers on an options paper proposed by the European External Action Service led to “the decision to start working on a new legal framework specifically adapted to the situation in Varosha”. The High Representative explained that this specific sanctions regime would focus on individuals and entities with direct involvement in the opening of part of Varosha. “This could lead to sanctions but first Coreper (editor’s note: the EU Permanent Representatives) has to study and evaluate closely the different proposals and especially start working on that”, he added.
The High Representative also considered it “essential” that Turkey re-engage seriously with the UN process and refrain from any action that could further deteriorate the situation on the ground. “Confidence-building measures concerning Varosha are of key importance and will help for the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus issue”, he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)