Famagusta including Varosha can become a model city and serve as an example for a future reunified Cyprus.

Varosha, the part of Famagusta which was inhabited by Greek Cypriots before 1974, has been kept as a bargaining point till today. It is neither inhabited nor used in any way. This “ghost city”, as it has been characterized, is perhaps the most striking symbol of the anachronistic conflict and division of Cyprus.

It is a clear breach of international law to turn a settlement into ruins like it happens in Varosha; a neighbourhood having such a colourful, vibrant and wealthy history before 1974. Local residents living in Famagusta cannot enjoy the sea nearby their city just because of the military presence in and around the open and closed districts of Famagusta.

Long term permanent physical planning cannot be envisaged and realized as a result of the ongoing division of the city. Famagusta metropolitan area still suffers heavily from not having a decent town planning, transportation network, sewage system, waste water treatment system and other fundamental facilities and services of infrastructure.

The political elites of the two sides have been using the Varosha issue to create impressions without really trying to find a common ground, which would allow the concrete use of the place for the benefit of the people, turning all the people who have lived or are living now in Famagusta into the losers in this game.

We believe that unilateral actions and demands concerning Varosha do not produce the desired result, which is the well being of the Famagustian population; both Greek and Turkish Cypriot and a step towards the rapprochement of the two communities and the reunification of the island. Famagusta including Varosha offers a unique chance towards the above objectives; a chance that is not being used at the moment.

Famagusta including Varosha grants a breakthrough opportunity to create a new model; a place of interaction, communication and cooperation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots at various levels. The creation of such a model in this area would serve as an example for a future reunited Cyprus.

We therefore suggest the establishment of a committee consisting of Greek and Turkish Cypriot stakeholders and representatives of the two communities, which will work under the auspices of the UN and/or the EU to create an action plan for the realisation of the above objective.

This action will have multiple positive effects both for the greater region of Famagusta and its people as well as for the whole of Cyprus:

-       It will enable the inhabitants of the “ghost city” to revive and revitalize their city

-       It will allow the development of the region on various aspects.

-       It will bring movement to the present stalemate and hope to the people of Cyprus that a positive change is possible.

-       It can be an example of collaborations for joint ventures and investments by different business circles with various background and expertise.

-       It can increase interaction at interpersonal and intercommunal level causing a better understanding and acknowledgement in the expectations of the two communities of Cyprus.

-       It will allow the internationally approved, lawful operation and further development of the Famagusta port for mutual benefit.

-       It will support the on-going process for the protection of the walled city of Famagusta as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.

-       Multicommunal and multicultural educational institutions at all levels can be initiated.

-       Greek and Turkish language teaching can be institutionalised at a professional level to encourage the members of two communities to learn and speak each other’s language in an effort of overcoming the substantial language barrier restricting their dialogues.

-       Clear and firm statements by the authorities of the two sides in favour of such a step towards the rapprochement, in combination with other positive actions will be a clear sign against chauvinistic actions and incidents.

-       It will set a clear sign that creating a common future is more productive and effective than sticking on to the past and the repeatedly experienced set backs.
 

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