No Varosha/Tymbou deal

The Turkish Cypriot leadership has denied reports that the European Commission is trying to broker a deal between Greek Cypriots and Turkey to open the fenced off part of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants in exchange for allowing direct flights to Tymbou (Ercan) airport in the breakaway north, a report in the Cyprus Mail says.

Should a legal solution be found to the operation of an international airport on occupied territory, the government would then face a new headache of a more financial nature.

In its long-term agreement with Hermes Airports, the government committed to providing compensation to the operator of Larnaca and Paphos airports in the event that passenger numbers at Tymbou ever reached above a certain amount.

However, on a bigger scale, allowing direct flights to and from Tymbou, could result in Turkey opening its ports and airports to Cypriot airlines and ships, which in turn, could lead to the ‘unfreezing’ of a number of chapters in Turkey’s EU accession negotiations.

But some commentators argue that Turkey will not give up its trump card, Varosha, for direct flights to Tymbou airport alone.

Instead, they argue, the Cypriot government needs to seriously examine the possibility of offering Turkey the prospect of regional gas cooperation, making Turkey a key player in the supply of Cypriot and Israeli gas to Europe, without this ruling out the parallel use of a liquefied natural gas plant to export Cypriot (or other) gas to Asian markets.

Steps in that direction could theoretically create a more amenable environment for Cyprus to continue with energy exploration in its’ exclusive economic zone, secure significant confidence building measures from Turkey, and make real headway in efforts to reach a comprehensive peace solution agreeable to Greek Cypriots.

Speaking to local Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris, Eroglu’s spokesman Osman Ertug denied allegations that EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule was launching an initiative to open Tymbou in exchange for Varosha.

Ertug alleged that the Greek Cypriots were trying to create an “artificial agenda” to draw attention away from the fact that peace talks have yet to start.

He added: “Varosha has for a long period now been part of the comprehensive solution. This news is a lie and was brought up deliberately.”

According to Turkish Cypriot media, reports have also suggested Turkey is considering opening Varosha but under Turkish control, while the rightful owners would have to apply to return via the immoveable property commission in the north.