Varosha, Famagusta

The American Hellenic Institute released a statement on Thursday to mark the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and called for an end to the occupation.

AHI condemned proposals of a "two-state solution" for the island as well as Turkey's reopening of the beach at Varosha.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized the recent statement by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which proposed a federal solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz has expressed a firm belief that Turkish Cyprus will gradually overcome the embargoes and embrace global connectivity.

His statement came during a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar on June 19, where the two leaders discussed economic cooperation and the future of the north side.

The allegation that three hotels in Turkish Cyprus' Varosha city have been sold to a Turkish businessman by their Greek owners has sparked concerns in the Greek administration as the sale or transfer of real estate in the area opened to civilian visits three years ago after a 46-year hiatus is under the control of a commission.

Some 530,000 people have visited the beaches of North Cyprus' Varosha in two years since it was opened after some 46 years, the daily Milliyet has reported.

"Varosha was opened to civilians in 2020. Vehicles are still not allowed to enter. One can wander inside the area on foot or bicycles," the daily highlighted.

Despite all calls and warnings, the consent of the Turkish Cypriot authorities was not sought once again, contrary to the United Nations rules and principles, while the U.N. Security Council extended the mandate of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force in the Island of Cyprus (UNFICYP) for six months with its resolution 2618 (2022) adopted on Jan. 27, the Foreign Ministry said.

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has condemned the recent arson attempt on a mosque located in the southern part of the divided island of Cyprus.

In a statement, Tatar condemned the attempt to burn the Grand Mosque in Larnaca and called on the Greek Cypriot authorities to prevent such attacks and arrest those responsible at the earliest.

The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) expressed his support for a Turkish Cypriot singer who was criticized for a video clip filmed in the coastal city of Maraş, also known as Varosha.

A video clip shot by a Turkish Cypriot singer in an abandoned town on the divided island of Cyprus has triggered anger among some Greek Cypriots, sparking controversy.

The proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a result of the Greek side's refusal to accept Turkish Cypriots' sovereign equality, the TRNC's president said on Nov. 15.