Committee to evaluate works needed in Varosha

Turkish Cypriot authorities said they will appoint a committee to oversee works at the small part of the fenced area of Varosha that has been demilitarised and slated to open for settlement, it was announced on Tuesday.

The appointment of a so-called executive committee was a decision by ‘cabinet’ on Monday.

‘Prime minister’ Ersan Saner said that the committee in which the Famagusta ‘municipality’ will also participate, will be under his office.

He said the committee’s task will be to evaluate the works to be done in the area of Varosha that will be demilitarised.

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar announced last month that 3.5 per cent of the fenced Varosha area, around five square kilometres, would be demilitarised and open for settlement.

The area in question is adjacent to the part of Varosha that is inhabited.

The move was welcomed by Turkey whose military controls the fenced area of Varosha, which according to UN resolutions ought to be under UN control.

Tatar has called on Greek Cypriot refugees to claim return to their properties through the immovable property commission (IPC) set up by Turkey in the north. The IPC is a domestic remedy aimed to address Greek Cypriot refugee demands to properties they own in the north.

According to statements in the north in recent weeks, 36 people had already filed to the IPC for properties in that area.

The government but also the EU and UN have condemned this move by the Turkish side which argued that their actions on the opening of the fenced Varosha area were legal and in accordance with international law and human rights.