On July 21, Ambassador Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, elaborated on China’s positions on the latest situation in Cyprus at the Security Council consultations.

Ambassador Geng Shuang said that the Turkish President yesterday visited North Cyprus and together with Turkish Cypriot leader announced to reopen Varosha. This violates Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and goes against the wide aspiration of the international community. It is totally inappropriate and nonconstructive. China opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo of Varosha and to undermine the peace and stability of East Mediterranean. China calls on relevant parties to exercise restraint, stop provocation, reverse their unilateral actions, and handle the Varosha issue in accordance with previous Security Council resolutions. China supports a quick and strong response from the Security Council to send a clear signal rejecting any unilateral moves that will escalate tensions and confrontation, and undermine the restoration of negotiations on the Cyprus issue.

Ambassador Geng said that China supports the efforts in seeking an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement on the Cyprus issue through dialogue and consultation on the basis of relevant UN resolutions. The international community should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus, and uphold the Security Council resolutions and the bi-communal, bi-zonal federation to help relevant parties narrow their differences through dialogue and consultation, and foster conditions and build up momentum for the resumption of negotiations. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will continue to hold an objective and impartial position and play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Cyprus issue.