Statements by the General Secretary of AKEL A.Kyprianou after meeting with a delegation from the Famagusta Municipality
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 29th October 2019, Nicosia
We had a meeting today with a delegation from the Famagusta Municipality headed by the Mayor Simos Ioannou, during which we discussed all the issues related to Famagusta Municipality and especially Turkey’s threats that it would proceed to the unlawful colonization of Famagusta. We exchanged thoughts and opinions on how this situation should be addressed. Our view is that the Turkish threats could be addressed effectively if and provided that substantive negotiations resume aimed at reaching an agreement as soon as possible. An agreement, however, that will be based on the agreed framework and not on any other basis. Of course, for the resumption of negotiations it is important for the Turkish side on their resumption to end any provocative actions, whether these concern the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Republic of Cyprus or the city of Famagusta.
We have had an exchange of views on what had previously been proposed in relation to the Famagusta Municipality. We insist that what must be prevalent in our efforts is the implementation of the relevant UN Resolutions 550 and 789, which provide for the return of the lawful inhabitants and owners under the administration of the United Nations.
We have made it clear to the Municipality that as AKEL we will continue to support their efforts to resolve the problem of the city of Famagusta, even before the solution of the Cyprus problem, knowing of course how difficult it is for this to occur.
We also discussed the issues that have arisen after the recent meeting of the Union of Occupied Municipalities. It is also our strong belief that the Famagusta Municipality is entitled to head the Union of Occupied Municipalities. It is a city-symbol as regards the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, and we believe that in such cases there is no room for any petty-party considerations.
I would like to assure the Mayor and the other members of the delegation that as AKEL we will always be on their side in the struggle they are waging to promote the interests of the Famagusta Municipality
