Greek Cyprus preparing for process after peace deal, says Greek Cypriot FM

NICOSIA – Anadolu Agency

HÜRRİYET photo

Greek Cypriot authorities are making preparations for a transition process on the island after a possible peace deal, Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Yoannis Kasulidis has said, noting that the return of the “ghost town” Varosha was their top priority during this process. 

Speaking to members of the Greek Cypriot media, Kasulidis said Greek Cyprus was conducting preliminary preparations for a transition process that would come if a U.N.-brokered peace agreement is reached between the two communities of the island to resolve the four-decade-old conflict. 

Kasulidis said Greek Cyprus’ first plan during the transition process was the return of Varosha, a former resort suburb of Famagusta that was abandoned and declared a buffer zone between the communities of the island after Turkey partly intervened in the island in 1974 following a coup attempt by Greece to unite Cyprus with the mainland. 

The 40-year-old conflict on the island appears to be nearing a resolution following meetings for a U.N.-brokered deal that began in early 2015.

Kasulidis said various working groups were working on the return and the rebuilding of Varosha, adding that technical committees were working on regulations to be used after a possible peace deal.