The UN Security Council has condemned the decision by Turkeyt o reopen a residential section of an abandoned suburb. A presidential statement, approved by all 15 council members at an open meeting on Friday, called for “the immediate reversal” of this unilateral action, warning that it could raise tensions on the divided Mediterranean island.

The Australian Hellenic Council has also released a statement on the illegal occupation of the northern part of the island, condemning Turkey’s actions:

The Australian Hellenic Council is a peak lobbying body for the Greek-Australian community and engages with the Australian Government on matters of importance, including, most notably, the Cyprus issue.

The illegal invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces has been a festering sore in international relations since 1974. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to make provocative claims and threats and, more recently, has declared that Turkey wants to resettle the abandoned Greek town of Varosha in northern Cyprus – as part of its blatant plan for a two-state ‘solution’ to the island’s division – in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

Turkey’s actions have again been condemned by the Security Council, which on 23 July reiterated that any attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants is clearly inadmissible. The Security Council stressed the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions, including the transfer of Varosha to UN administration.

The permanent members of the Security Council were also clear in their condemnation of Turkey.

READ MORE: Greek ministry lashes out at Erdogan’s plan to reopen Varosha

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the Turkish Cypriot actions in Varosha, with the support of Turkey, as provocative, unacceptable, and incompatible with their past commitments to engage constructively in settlement talks. The UK Government noted that Erdogan’s announcement runs contrary to previous UN Security Council resolutions and Security Council Presidential Statements which have called for Turkey to halt and reverse its actions in Varosha. France condemned what it called a “unilateral, uncoordinated .. provocation”. Even China described the announcement to reopen Varosha as inappropriate and nonconstructive which merely serves to raise tensions and undermine efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus issue.

It is extremely disappointing, therefore, that the Australian Government has not officially condemned the latest Turkish provocations. Neither the Prime Minister Scott Morrison nor the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Marise Payne, has issued any statement in the wake of the Security Council declaration. Rather, the Australian High Commissioner to Cyprus has meekly tweeted that Australia fully supports the UN Security Council Presidential Statement on Varosha and joins the call to “avoid unilateral actions that could raise tensions” and reaffirms its support of UN-led efforts for a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality. But no words of condemnation of Turkey’s leaders and the Turkish Cypriot leaders.

READ MORE: European Parliament condemns the reopening of Varosha, approves calls for sanctions against Turkey

Turkey under Erdogan is increasingly becoming a rogue state. Its provocative irredentist designs on Cyprus deserve the strongest condemnation by the international community, including Australia.

The Australian Hellenic Council calls on the Australian Government to condemn the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders in the same strident terms as the UN Security Council. What is happening in Cyprus is unacceptable. Erdogan is no friend of Australia and the Federal Government should respond accordingly.

Justice for Cyprus demands this.

George Vellis is the Co-ordinator of the Australian Hellenic Council and George Vardas is the AHC Secretary.