Varosha

With the Turkish Cypriots' decision to revert the military status of a pilot zone, the ghost resort Varsoha, into a civilian one, the initial step for resettlement is expected to affect 350 Greek families.

The statement of Vice President and High Representative of the EU Commission Josep Borrell following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Turkish Cyprus is "null and void" for Turkey as it aims advocacy of Greek Cyprus, Ankara has said.

The number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the town of Varosha in Northern Cyprus, which was partially reopened to the public in 2020 after 47 years, has reached 150,000.

Tourists flocked the pristine beaches of the town despite coronavirus restrictions.

Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar has said works are underway to change Varosha's military status to a civilian one, adding that the way for the return of real estates to their Greek owners will be paved.

The abstract figures of naked women gyrating to the rhythms of a five-piece band had shocked many people almost 60 years ago as they eyed the artwork for the first time on the walls of a popular restaurant-nightclub in Cyprus.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has reiterated criticism of Turkey's decision to reopen part of the beachfront of Varosha, a resort abandoned since Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974.

EU leaders meeting on Thursday and Friday should abide by their previous decisions and "send a clear message" to Turkey, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday, referring to the conclusions of the European Council in October.

The European Parliament adopted on Thursday an amendment to a resolution on the Cypriot coastal town of Varosha, calling on the European Council to impose sanctions on Turkey over the partial reopening of the town, which violates UN Security Council resolutions.

The once ghost town of Varosha in Turkish Cyprus has been opened for bicycle tours after it was opened to civilians on Oct. 9 in the wake of a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

A key thoroughfare in the seaside resort of Varosha in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus has been renamed after the military commander who led the 1974 Turkish invasion of the Mediterranean island.