OPENING OF FAMAGUSTA

the benefit of Cypriot people. Also, the EU reiterates its readiness to contribute to this objective in the prospect of a final settlement. Moreover, the members of the UN Security Council reaffirmed their appreciation for the initiatives taken regarding the issue of Famagusta, and welcomed this tangible measure that could give extra impetus to the solution process. CALLS BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT The European Parliament (EP) has repeatedly voiced its support for the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants. In February 2012, the EP adopted a Declaration, calling on the Government of Turkey to act according to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), and the Recommendations of the 2008 Report of the Committee on Petitions of the EP on Petition 733/2004 and return the sealed-off section of Famagusta to“its lawful inhabitants, who must resettle under conditions of security and peace.” In its Resolution of 29 March 2012 on the Progress Report on Turkey (2011/2889 (RSP)) the EP“calls on the Government of Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces form Cyprus and to transfer Famagusta to the United Nations in accordance with Resolution 550 (1984) of the United Nations Security Council”. INTERNATIONAL REACTION ON THE PROPOSAL The proposal by the Greek Cypriot side put forward by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades was positively received by the international community, characterizing the initiative one of the key elements of the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. The United States welcomed President Anastasiades’ proposal for a package of bold and innovative confidence building measures and other constructive proposals, which have the potential, when agreed and implemented by the parties, to dramatically enhance cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and restore faith in settlement efforts. Furthermore, in a statement issued by the Press Secretary of the White House, it was stated that“the United States will engage in diplomacy with all stakeholders to explore possible initiatives to reinforce settlement negotiation, including measures aimed at the future revitalization of the Famagusta region, when agreed by the two communities”. The European Union, through a statement issued by the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council on 11 February 2014, fully supports the efforts to reach an agreement between the two parties on a package of confidence building measures, which can help createmomentum towards a settlement to Church of Ayia Zoni in the sealed-off area of Famagusta - PIO Photo Archive