Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 08-08-16

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] FAMAGUSTA - RESOLUTION

[01] FAMAGUSTA - RESOLUTION

This statement is included in a resolution calling for the return of Famagusta, under Turkish occupation since 1974, to its lawful inhabitants. The resolution was adopted on Saturday by the Famagusta Municipal Council, in a public meeting at Dherynia Cultural Centre, on the south of this eastern coastal city, to mark the 34th anniversary since the town was captured by the advancing Turkish troops in the summer of 1974.

The resolution calls for the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants and points out that a step in that direction would be the immediate return of the fenced off area of Famagusta, now under the Turkish occupation.

We consider that the Famagusta issue should be immediately put in the table as a confidence building measure that will significantly improve the climate for the promotion of the talks, and which also benefits both communities in Cyprus, the resolution adds.

The Famagusta Municipal Council also welcomes the initiatives taken by President Christofias for the commencement of direct negotiations between the leaders of the two communities on September 3. In addition, it stresses that it supports and works towards a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

The Council considers the progress achieved so far, as well as the decision for the beginning of direct negotiation on 3 September, as steps in the right direction.

The resolution also refers to the occupation of Famagusta as a violation of international law. The continuing and illegal occupation of a European town violates not only human rights, but also UN Security Council resolution 550 and the high level agreements between the two communities in Cyprus.

In its resolution, the Municipal Council calls on the international community, and especially the United Nations and the European Union, to influence Ankara to change its stance on the Cyprus issue.

Finally, it calls the Turkish Cypriot leadership to proceed to the direct negotiations with good will and readiness to negotiate a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

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