Nikos Hristodulidis proposes UN control for Varosha and EU oversight for Famagusta Port

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Hristodulidis has proposed a new initiative to break the deadlock in Cyprus negotiations by introducing confidence-building measures regarding Famagusta. The proposal suggests placing the closed area of Varosha under United Nations administration, with the eventual goal of allowing legal residents to return to the region.

As part of this package, the proposal includes operating the Port of Famagusta under the supervision of the European Commission. This initiative appears to be based on a 2006 plan developed during Finland’s presidency of the European Union. That previous plan also addressed lifting restrictions on vessels flying the Republic of Cyprus flag using Turkish ports and aircraft using Turkish airspace, though those efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Separately, Turkey has issued a new NAVTEX for the Oruç Reis research vessel to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The research, scheduled to continue until October 25, is related to planned natural gas pipeline surveys and involves collecting technical and seabed data along the proposed route.