Readout
Office of the Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State
October 16, 2020
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Republic of Cyprus (ROC) Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides today. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Christodoulides discussed actions taken by the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” to reopen part of the fenced-off area of Varosha. The Secretary expressed deep concern and noted such a move was provocative and inconsistent with UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789 and not conducive to a return to settlement talks. The Secretary urges a reversal of the re-opening and welcomed the UN Security Council’s session and presidential statement on Varosha on October 9. The United States continues to support a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which would benefit all Cypriots and the entire region.