EP approves declaration calling for the return of Famagusta
FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE • Fri, Feb 03, 2012
THE European Parliament approved today a written declaration calling on Turkey to return the fenced-off city of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.
The declaration, which secured 390 signatures, was introduced by MEPs Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Willy Meyer, Michalis Tremopoulos, Cecilia Wikstrom and Artur Zasada, after the initiative of Cypriot MEPs and citizens of Famagusta with the support of Famagusta Municipality.
In its preamble, the declaration notes that ''the city of Famagusta in the Republic of Cyprus was captured by the invading Turkish forces in August 1974'', recalling that ''a section of Famagusta was then sealed off and remains uninhabited, under the direct control of the Turkish military.''
It also recalls that UNSC Resolutions 550(1984) and 789(1992) which call for ''the transfer of this area to the administration of the United Nations,'' as well as the 1979 High Level Agreement which, inter alia, notes that priority should be given to the resettlement of Famagusta under the UN auspices.
The declaration ''calls on the Government of Turkey to act according to the aforementioned UNSC Resolutions and Report Recommendations and return the Famagusta sealed-off section to its lawful inhabitants, who must resettle under conditions of security and peace,'' urging the EU institutions to coordinate their efforts with Parliament to promote Turkey’s cooperation.
— Copyright © Famagusta Gazette 2012
Interesting read, ......... a fair bit of pressure is being placed upon Turkey, and I think that it is timely, ..... the EU and UN have supported Cyprus in its efforts to return the full Country back to all its citizens whatever langauge they speak or what religion they follow.
