The Varosha waterfront was opened to the public on Thursday for the first time in 46 years following a decision by the Turkish-backed government of Northern Cyprus. Hundreds of people descended on the beach at the ancient resort which was abandoned when Greek Cypriot inhabitants of Varosha fled as Turkish troops advanced in 1974. The area was brought under Turkish military control. before being sealed off and left to the elements for nearly five decades. The decision to reopen the area has been criticized by the Cypriot president amid fears of rising tensions between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus
