President of the TRNC Tatars
President of the TRNC Tatars: The opening of such a historical place as Varosha, 46 years later, strengthened the sovereignty of the TRNC
The President of the TRNC Tatar stated that the provision to the public of a part of Varosha, which was closed on an initiative implemented 3 years ago, after 46 years, strengthened the sovereignty of the TRNC.
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ersin Tatar told the correspondent of the Anadolu Agency (AA) about the process of opening part of the closed Vaprosha for visitors on October 8, 2020.
"Now, after the negotiations at the federal level, the referendum on the Annan plan and the negotiations in Crans-Montana, we have asked ourselves what we are waiting for to open Varosha with the loss of hope. Having received a positive opinion from Turkey on this issue, we opened Varosha," Tatar said, adding that he would never be able to forget this day.
Noting that the number of visitors to Varosha has exceeded 1 million 200 thousand since its opening in 2020, Tatar said that the number of people coming to see Varosha from many parts of the world, including Southern Cyprus, especially Turkey, is increasing day by day.
Stating that Varosha has an economic contribution to the city of Famagusta, where it is located, Tatar continued his words as follows:
"The discovery of such a historical place as Varosha, 46 years later, strengthened the sovereignty of the TRNC. The opening of Varosha by the decision of the Prime Minister of the TRNC has increased confidence in the TRNC. Of course, the expansion of Varosha has economic potential, and this has been reflected."
Stressing that most of the real estate in Varosha belongs to the Cyprus Funds Management (EVKAF), the Tatar President explained that they were looted during the British colonial administration and seized by the Greeks.
Stating that the Real Estate Commission can offer various alternatives, such as the return, exchange or compensation of real estate in Varosha e to its original owners in the future, Tatar said that his greatest desire is for buildings in the region to be legally restored or demolished, and new buildings built in their place.
Expansion of Varosha
At a meeting of the Council of Ministers in the TRNC on June 18, 2019, it was decided to take steps to open the Marash, which has been closed since 1974, and conduct a scientific inventory study with a group of experts.
On October 8, 2020, part of the public street of Democracy and the coastal part of Marash within the borders of the TRNC were opened to the public.
By the decision of the Council of Ministers on July 12, 2021, another region was demilitarized as part of the second stage of the expansion of Marash, and thus 3.5 percent of Marash became civilian.
The TRNC authorities constantly urge Greek Cypriots and third-country nationals who own real estate in Marash to apply to the Real Estate Commission.
While the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCA) opposes all processes, including the discovery made in Varosha, the TRNC emphasizes that it has the right to dispose of the region by virtue of its sovereignty in Varosha.
Source: AA