Rejuvenation of the dead zone

Deryneia as a critical local authority suffocates housing, since it does not have enough housing area and that is why we propose solutions that revive the fallen morale of our citizens. Local authorities, as the pre-eminent institution at the base of the political pyramid and closer to the citizen, maintain direct contact with him in an effort to implement a more effective policy, in line with the demands of the citizens, in accordance with European standards. The European Union has set a goal through the new financial framework 2021-2027 to support remote, isolated and underdeveloped areas. With this in mind, the dead zone in Cyprus could be used, not only for development and revitalization, but also for the promotion of local and national initiatives, which promote the peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

The semi-occupied municipality of Deryneia invests in the need to house young couples. Since it has limited municipal boundaries and after several efforts and consultations with the Ministry of Interior, the entire municipality of Deryneia has been designated as an outlying area. This implies the utilization of funds and sponsorships, through the new simplified and targeted housing plan for the remote areas. This plan, which concerns the acquisition of a first home, covers a sponsorship of between 20 and 40 thousand euros.

In this context, the municipality of Deryneia has recognized the need to utilize the dead zone. The dead zone is the area granted by the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force to fulfill its terms of reference, as set out in Resolution 186 of 1964. The dead zone area may be used for residential, sporting, cultural, agricultural and investment purposes. Therefore, for this need to exploit the dead zone, we turned to the United Nations and all the Ministries and competent bodies involved, who welcomed our effort, despite the obstacles and obstacles posed by the occupying Turkish army.

In order to revive the dead zone, we must stimulate growth, both inside and near it. The dead zone can be the beginning of the promotion of confidence-building measures, mutual aid and solidarity between the two communities. As a result of our actions, the dead zone can, despite the difficult circumstances, be the first step to transform it from gray to a living zone, an area where the two communities will be active, create and coexist until its final resolution. Cyprus issue.

In addition, the revitalization of the dead zone can bring the two communities closer, which is a goal of both the United Nations and foreign delegations in Cyprus. Taking advantage of the opportunity given to us to enter the dead zone, mainly for agricultural purposes, we hope that we will be allowed residential development, thus sending the message that the dead zone comes alive and brings us closer to our occupied land and sea.

The remote areas experience daily the pain of the refugees, but also the difficulties of their inhabitants. But we never stop showing the desired path that the two leaders should take to resume dialogue and negotiations. This road should be neither a one-way street nor a non-return road. It should be the road, which as a first step will give life to the dead zone and will chart the path to the reunification of the island. The road, even though it is long and difficult, will always lead us somewhere. It is enough to have a vision, will and will, to reach our final destination and avoid the tragic impasse.

Andros G. Karagiannis

Mayor of Deryneia