Intervention by AKEL MEP Giorgos Georgiou in the debate “Escalation of tensions in Varosha following Turkey’s illegal actions and the urgent need to resume talks”
24th November 2020, Plenary European Parliament, Brussels
“The picnic of uninvited guests”
Famagusta, the easternmost city in the EU, was seized and occupied by Turkish troops in August 1974.
Since then it has remained silent, uninhabited, a ghost town, haunting the history of Europe like a black spot. But not dead. Its memories are alive.
The persecuted inhabitants are waiting for the time to return to their homes and properties.
It is no coincidence that on 15th November, the anniversary of the proclamation of the pseudo-state in the occupied areas, Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots Ersin Tatar, went on a “picnic” in Famagusta.
To paint up Famagusta’s tearful face with Anatolian ornaments.
The provocation was unbearable. And the rage felt unrestrained. Both from the living and the dead.
Thousands of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots reacted to this action and to Turkey’s attempts to assimilate them, demanding Democracy and Freedom.
The ghosts of the dead inhabitants of the city, wandered among the uninvited visitors.
I apologize for my emotional tone…
But things in Cyprus are on the edge.
Erdogan and Tatar, with the opening of part of the fenced off area of Varosha and the impending colonalisation, are provoking a new fait accompli.
The colonalisation of Famagusta will deal a fatal blow to the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.
They are already talking about 2 states.
Dozens of EU and UN statements, reports and resolutions, particularly United Nations Resolutions 550 and 789, are calling on Turkey to return the city to its lawful inhabitants.
Erdogan’s provocation can no longer be tamed.
After Syria-Libya, he is now spreading his tentacles to Nagorno-Karabakh. He throws in the bin the positive agenda offered to him by the EU. He brazenly curses European leaders. He provokes France. He is continuing his provocative actions against Cyprus and Greece, both on land and sea.
Either Turkey will come to its senses or targeted sanctions must be imposed on it, recognizing that the problems in Cyprus can be solved ONLY through a meaningful and sincere dialogue.
With the resumption of negotiations from the point where they had remained at Crans Montana based on the UN Secretary General’s Framework and the convergences that have been registered.
For a solution of a Bi-Zonal, Bicommunal Federation with political equality.
For the delimitation of the maritime zones and sharing of the maritime wealth in accordance with International Law and to the benefit of the citizens of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
To at long last rescue the credibility and dignity of the EU itself.
For peace to prevail in the region.
