MP Mr.Nikos Tornaritis, head of the Cypriot delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), today sent a letter to the heads of the national delegations of the Assembly regarding the new Turkish provocations in the enclosed area of Famagusta.
In his letter, Mr. Tornaritis recalls that Famagusta remains uninhabited, a "ghost town", as a consequence of the 1974 Turkish invasion and the displacement of the town's legitimate inhabitants. In violation of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the Cypriot MP stresses that the town has not come under the administration of the United Nations, as Turkey is methodically promoting its gradual colonisation and exploitation, proceeding with the opening of new sites on its coastal front.
These illegal actions, Mr. Tornaritis points out, are part of Turkey's efforts to legitimize the Turkish subordinate "administration" in the occupied territories, to create new fait accompli and to promote a "two-state solution" in Cyprus. Such provocations are unacceptable and must be stopped, the Cypriot MP stresses. The passage of time, Tornaritis said in his letter, does not negate the fact that Turkey continues to blatantly violate international law, while undermining the prospects for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Tornaritis stresses that the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus cannot be considered less important than those of other states. He further points out that Turkey's continued militarisation of Cyprus, its breach of its international obligations and commitments, as well as its rejection of the agreed framework for a bizonal bicommunal federation solution, are in conflict with the basic principles and values of the Council of Europe. These issues must be answered and there must be accountability, Mr. Tornaritis stresses.
Finally, Mr. Tornaritis calls on the heads of the national delegations to the CSTO to show the same determination towards any member state that repeatedly violates its international obligations and to demonstrate practical solidarity with Cyprus by exerting their influence in order to stop Turkey's methodical plans in Famagusta.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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