Church of Cyprus denies sale of Aspelia Hotel in Varosha

The Church of Cyprus has officially denied online reports alleging that the historic Aspelia Hotel, located in the closed-off area of Varosha in Famagusta, has been sold. A representative of the archbishopric stated on Friday that these claims are unfounded and described them as figments of imagination. The official emphasized that the Church would not engage in any commercial exploitation or sale of its properties situated in the occupied territories. The Aspelia Hotel, a 160-room, four-star establishment built in 1972 on Glossa beach, was a prominent landmark before the 1974 Turkish invasion. Following the invasion, the property was abandoned and has remained sealed and dilapidated within the restricted zone. The rumors regarding the sale sparked significant online debate due to the property's symbolic political status and the specific legal regulations governing the area under United Nations resolutions. No discussions regarding the financial development of this property have taken place, according to the archbishopric.