DERYNEIA: The inauguration of the "Bicommunal Garage" took place (VIDEO + IMAGES)

Aiming to bring Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots closer, the new Bicommunal Center with the name "Garage" located near the proposed crossing point opened its gates in Deryneia in the afternoon.

The space was opened with the support of UNFICYP and a group of organizations and individuals, including the Rooftop team, while Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Deryniotes and Famagusta were present.

In his statements, the Mayor of Deryneia Andros Karagiannis stated that "the Garage of the late Andreas Theoris has been given by the family to the Municipality of Deryneia for the creation of a building that will accommodate both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots who will be invited daily to Cypriot through dialogue. This center has exceeded all our expectations and the people have responded to our appeal regarding the photo exhibition in which Famagusta Avenue is presented from 1950 until today ".

Mr. Karagiannis noted that "the purpose of this Center is to bring the two Communities closer so that we can all contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem. "Every week until September, events will be organized in the area, to bring the people of Cyprus closer, especially the young people, while there will be activities for children who are invited to paint for peace".

The Mayor of Deryneia thanked "especially the United Nations that have contributed to the creation of the Center, the family of the late Andreas Theoris, for the concession of the space and all the volunteers who contributed to the creation of the space".

Asked about the opening of the Deryneia roadblock, Mr. Karagiannis said that "we have passed the 1st of July" which was the schedule for its opening but "the Greek Cypriot side is ready for the opening. "There are some political issues concerning the refusal of the Turkish army to move the outpost located on Famagusta Avenue," he said, expressing confidence that "this very serious problem will be overcome very soon so that the Deryneia roadblock, after the operation of this bi-communal Center to open soon ".

After stating that he could not say how soon the roadblock could be opened, the Mayor of Deryneia expressed the certainty that "at least after the summer holidays the roadblock will open".

Answering a relevant question, he said that "any concerns and reactions against the opening of roadblocks in general, are understandable and respected, but the opening is a confidence-building measure that was decided several years ago. "The roadblocks were opened 15 years ago and I believe that as the Greek Cypriot side we must implement this political decision to promote confidence-building measures because if we do not promote it we will be exposed."

The Famagusta District Secretary of AKEL, Chrysanthos Zannettou, who attended the event, described today as "very important", adding that "it is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we welcome this event, a small house of cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. right next to the Deryneia Roadblock ".

At the same time, he expressed the belief that the roadblock of Deryneia "will open very soon and will further facilitate the cooperation and mutual understanding between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, and especially the Famagusta Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots".

Answering a relevant question, Mr. Zannettou said that "the attendance of the public is very encouraging, there are a lot of people, young people and older people. I am sure that the issue of the solution, this desire for the return, for the solution is united in all ages and all the spectrums of the Cypriot people ".

Famagusta.News / KYPE