France Expresses Support for Cyprus in Light of Latest Turkish Moves

World

July 21st, 8:27am

Asharq Al-Awsat

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks during a press conference in Paris, France March 11, 2021. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS//File Photo

French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed support for Cyprus on Wednesday, after a move by Turkish Cypriot authorities to partially reopen an abandoned town for potential resettlement, which had drawn a strong rebuke from rival Greek Cypriots. Le Drian said he discussed the matter on July 20 with his Cypriot counterpart and would be raising the topic at the United Nations, reported Reuters. The town in question, Varosha, has been deserted since a 1974 war split the island. Greek Cypriots fear Turkey intends to appropriate it. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades described the move as "illegal and unacceptable".

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3091116/france-expresses-support-cyprus-light-latest-turkish-moves