Cyprus: Turkish controlled 'ghost suburb' Varosha reopens despite Greek objection

Authorities in self-declared Turkish Republic of Norrn Cyprus (TRNC) announced on Tuesday a partial reopening of Varosha, a long-abandoned ghost suburb for potential resettlement. controversial move sparked sharp criticism from Greeks, who claim sovereignty over it, and or major western powers including United States, Associated Press reported.  seemingly eerie region h been deserted since 1974 but in November last year, a 3.5 square kilometers part of it was reopened for visits. Now, going a step furr, Turkish Cypriot leer Ersin Tatar has said that a part of Varosha would be reopened for civilian use. 

A new era will begin in Maras which will benefit everyone,” said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, referring to Turkish name of Verosha during his visit to region. Regional authorities have also promised a mechanism that would allow Greek Cypriots to reclaim ir properties through Immoveable Property Commission (IPC), a legal body that is empowered to judicate such cases.

Turkish President’s visit

announcement came on second day of Turkish President’s visit to TRNC. Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended 47th anniversary of Turkey’s military intervention and talked about establishment of global peace on Mediterranean island. However, he mocked failed attempt to resolve crisis and said that y do not have "50 years to waste".  Invasion, which took place in 1974, is seen as an invasion by Greek Cypriots. 

Cypriot Conflict 

Republic of Cyprus, located in Mediterranean Sea, is ethnically divided between Greeks and Turks. While Turkey and Norrn Cyprus have suggested that a two-state solution was only way out of island’s conflict, or side does not doesn’t support such a formula. Both Cyprus and Greece, have called for a "bizonal federation" as only solution for reunification of Mediterranean island.

Turko-Greek relationship 

relationship between Greece and Turkey has been alternating between periods of hostile acts and reconciliation ever since Greek independence from Ottoman Empire in 19th century. TCG Cesme, a research vessel, was deployed in Aegean Sea in March earlier his year for conducting a hydrographic surveyor “scientific and technical research” concerning earthquakes. However, Greece h opposed Ankara’s move, saying it was against spirit of renewed dialogue between two. Turkish government, on February 23, accused Greek military of harassing a Turkish research vehicle in west of Islands of Lemnos in Aegean Sea. 

Image: AP