Simos Ioannou, after yesterday's election as Mayor of Famagusta, addresses the people of Varosi expressing his gratitude, while conveying messages of unity and struggle for return and lists the actions that the Municipality of Famagusta intends to take immediately.
This is the speech of Simos Ioannou:
Friends,
Dear Varosiotes,
Yesterday the whole of Famagusta and all the people of Famagusta won. One candidate or those who voted for him did not win. Our city won!
And the command is one: unity and struggle for return. This is how I perceive yesterday's result. This is how I went all these years and this is how I will lead the Municipality of Famagusta.
I want to warmly thank all our fellow citizens who participated in yesterday's election process, whatever choice they made, sending the message that Varosi remains alive and a priority in our hearts and consciences.
I thank my opponents from the bottom of my heart because their candidacies and presence provided the opportunity for a short but - I believe - constructive and civilized democratic dialogue.
Special thanks to those who supported and worked these days for my election. I thank my party, AKEL. I also warmly thank the parties that supported my candidacy (the Democratic Party, the Citizens' Alliance and the Democratic Party) but also the disgruntled fellow citizens who believed and supported my candidacy.
I would like to take this opportunity to send a message of cooperation, common struggle and brotherhood to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. I firmly believe that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots must TOGETHER fight against a possible settlement of Famagusta and in favor of the implementation of the UN Resolutions on Famagusta that provide for the return of the legal residents of the city under the administration of the UN. If we succeed in this, Famagusta will emerge as a living model of peaceful coexistence and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, a miniature of the future united Cyprus. A living proof that we can do it. At the same time, it will reveal the enormous prospects and dynamics that can be unleashed by the overall solution of the Cyprus problem, the liberation and reunification, the peace. Reunion is the big restart the place needs. And this can begin with the opening and return of our city.
Friends,
Famagusta is facing a huge danger that will cause irreparable accomplishments. The actions taken by Messrs. Ozersay and Tatar to open the city are in direct conflict with international law and UN Security Council Resolutions, undermining efforts to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. Fortunately, a large portion of Turkish Cypriots do not agree with these actions. From this step, I call on Messrs. Ozersay and Tatar not to proceed with these actions but to choose the path of peace and UN Resolutions for Famagusta. That is the law and the interest of all Cypriots. That's the tip of the iceberg that leads to a future of peace and prosperity.
In the face of these data, the Municipality of Famagusta must be active by assuming its share.
In this direction we will pursue the following:
First. We will ask the President of the Republic to convene as soon as possible, a special session of the National Council with the exclusive topic of Famagusta, the risks, the measures and the policy to be drawn up.
Secondly. As a Municipality, we will act decisively in the coming period at international and European level to highlight the issue of our city and to claim practical support for the implementation of the Resolutions. We will do the same in the direction of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Third. We will intensify the preparation for the return time. We will update the Immediate Action Plan and the overall plan for the return and reconstruction of the city in collaboration with the Reconstruction and Resettlement Council, with universities and other bodies. The reconstruction of the enclosed area of the city, the opening of the port, the restoration of the monuments of the medieval city of Famagusta will be top challenges for modern Cyprus. They will give a spectacular boost to the development and economy of our entire island. A real and solid development that will really serve the place. The opening of Famagusta will be a huge step forward, with huge benefits for the whole of Cyprus and for all Cypriots. For refugees and non-refugees. For Varosians and not.
Finally, perhaps the most decisive is the bet that we Varosians have with ourselves. With our identity. With our memory and consciousness. For this reason, our aim is to give due importance to actions, activities and initiatives that revitalize the ties and relations of the people of Varosi, which transmit to the new generations the identity of Varosiotis and the belief in returning to Varosi, for a solution of principles, for freedom. and reunification.
Friends,
Dear Varosiotes,
The bar set by all the previously elected Mayors of our city, the late Adam Adamantos, Andreas Pougiouros and Alexis Galanos, as well as my dear Kikis Kazamias and Giannakis Skordis, is really very high.
That is why I will work with all my strength - but above all with a team and a spirit of unity - to meet the expectations of our fellow citizens, the critical challenges and the dangers facing the Famagusta case and the Cyprus issue as a whole.
My only ambition was and remains to unite and express the people of Varos who are not compatible with occupation and division. To unite and express the people of Varos in the struggle for the return to our beloved city in conditions of freedom, security and peace. To return and revive the city that belongs to us, its rightful owners, our children and grandchildren. All of us who do not want to live with the memory of Varosi, but to live in Varosi itself.
On the ground we walked first. In the land we always miss.
All of us who remain faithful to the spring of our beloved Famagusta.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Good strength and good return.
