National Council calls on Turkish side to return Famagusta

Nicosia, Apr 30 (CNA) -- The National Council calls on the Turkish side to return the area of Famagusta to its legitimate citizens, and commit itself to the final withdrawal of occupation troops and demilitarise the island.

The decision, taken during last night's meeting and announced here Wednesday, also calls on Turkey to implement the Third Vienna Agreement on the enclaved Greek Cypriots and to effectively cooperate to ascertain the fate of the missing persons.

It says that it is expecting the Turkish side's response.

In addition, the National Council stresses the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to enter direct and substantial negotiations based on the Annan plan in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant UN decisions.

On the situation that has emerged from the Turkish occupation regime's decision to ease the restrictions on the free movement of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the National Council said it believes the impulsive and friendly attitude of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots during their recent meetings has shown their sincere desire to live together and cooperate as two communities in a united country.

It also believes that showing passports and issuing "visas" by the occupation regime does not imply recognition, even indirect, of the illegal regime, and neither does it undermine the legitimate and internationally recognised state of Cyprus.