The President of the Republic, Nikos Anastasiadis, spoke about a historic day for the residents and owners of properties within the territory of the British Bases, while saying that the implementation of the 2014 agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom opens significant prospects for economic growth.
The non-military development agreement affects three municipalities (Ypsonas, Kato Polemidion and Deryneia) and 16 communities (Asomatos, Trachoni, Kolossi, Erimi, Sotira, Paramali, Avdimou, Akrotiri, Pyla, Ormidia, Xylotymbou, Xylofagou, Frenaros, Avgorou, Acheritou, Achna) in the provinces of Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta.
Speaking at an event marking the start of the process for implementing the Non-Military Development Basis Agreement at the Presidential Palace in the presence of Britain's High Commissioner to Cyprus Steven Lily, President Anastasiadis said the agreement was tangible proof. the excellent relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom. He said the agreement was the biggest change in land use and the development of various zones within the Bases since the founding of the Republic of Cyprus.
The two sides also issued a Joint Announcement, noting, among other things, that the implementation of the Amendment is "an important step forward in further strengthening and deepening cooperation and our bilateral relationship."
"After 60 years of negotiations and as a result of the determination of the Governments of the two countries, the agreement reached on January 15, 2014 between the then Prime Minister David Cameron and himself is being implemented today," President Anastasiadis said in his greeting.
The agreement, he continued, provides for a major overhaul of the property status of the property, with full restoration of the rights of residents and property owners.
He noted that a very large percentage of the territory within the British Base, which is now part of urban planning zones, is being liberated for development purposes. "More specifically, 1800 hectares of land, about 860 in the area of Akrotiri and another 930 in the area of Dhekelia are included in development zones," he said.
The President went on to say that what is true in the rest of the Republic of Cyprus will be applied in relation to the acquisition and development of property by Cypriots, Europeans and even third-country nationals, ensuring equal rights for residents and property owners in the UK. with the population of the Republic.
He also said that in addition to residential, tourist, commercial and industrial development, large-scale development would be allowed, such as various types of schools, secondary schools, regional schools, higher education schools, theme parks and multi-purpose sports and leisure centers. or hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and other similar medical centers.
In addition to designated development zones, it is also possible to license under certain conditions and smaller-scale developments, such as oil stations, restaurants, banquet halls, special type of developments, he added.
"I have to admit that the whole process of implementing the agreement, from its signing until today, may have been relatively time consuming. But one should not lose sight of the fact that it was a complicated process with several peculiarities, which had to be dealt with effectively, "he said.
He then stressed the positive consequences, economic and not only, for the residents of the Base Areas, but also the fact that the agreement is the biggest change in land use and development of various zones within the Bases since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
"With hard work and constructive cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, it has been possible to overcome any obstacles that have arisen through mutually beneficial solutions, always focusing on the prosperity and prospects of living for themselves and their people. Bases, "he said.
The Strategic Environmental Impact Study together with the Development Plan, which includes the relevant urban maps, will be posted on the websites of the Department of Environment and the Department of Urban Planning and Housing from Wednesday. Based on the current legislation, a 35-day public consultation will follow, during which the interested parties will be able to submit to the Department of the Environment remarks or objections related to the content of the Strategic Study.
According to President Anastasiadis, the policy statement of the British Bases, a copy of which was submitted to him by the British High Commissioner, defines urban zones and land uses and introduces clear provisions and policies that will govern the location of all types of development in the North. residential, tourist, commercial, industrial and others.
"Implementation of the agreement opens up significant economic growth prospects and activities for BB residents, but also the economy at large, especially in an admittedly difficult economic period, as reflected in the coronation pandemic," he said.
It demonstrates, he continued, the exceptional level of bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom, which are based on strong historical ties, both at the transnational level and between the two peoples.
"Relations have been significantly strengthened and expanded in recent years, with the two countries working closely and effectively on a wide range of issues at bilateral, European and international levels, without neglecting the close relationship we are developing as partners in the Commonwealth," he said.
The President reiterated the determination of the Republic of Cyprus to continue its close cooperation with the United Kingdom even after Britain's exit from the European Union.
"As I mentioned in 2014, I have no doubt that the implementation of the Non-Military Development Agreement in the British Base is a qualitative and at the same time a substantial step in our relations with Great Britain, as more than 60 years after its establishment. The Republic of Cyprus is achieving a final regulation for the development within the borders of the British Bases ", he underlined.
Concluding, he expressed his warm thanks to the Government of the United Kingdom, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has long made the implementation of this Agreement a priority, as well as to other Ministries and parties involved in the two countries that have worked tirelessly and diligently to implement it. Development Plan.
The benefits of the bilateral regulation for 12.000 Cypriots living in the Bases were mentioned by the High Commissioner of Britain in Cyprus, Steven Lily.
"These discussions have been complex, but they demonstrate the commitment of both our countries to developing bilateral relations and discovering new areas of cooperation," he said during the event.
According to the British High Commissioner, this agreement allows the residents of the Bases to have the same rights as possible with the Cypriots living in the areas controlled by the Republic, to sell or develop their land.
"The agreement will bring obvious benefits to the 12.000 Cypriots living in the Bases. At a time when the corona is causing fears and concerns about the survival of communities around the world, I can proudly state that together we have managed to deliver a reform that will have a real positive impact on people's well-being, ”he concluded.
For his part, General Rob Thompson, Commander of the British Forces and Bases in Cyprus, said that the fact that we will allow many Cypriots living inside the Bases to have more development rights while safeguarding the UK's operational needs on the island which contribute significantly to the security of the Western world, is indeed a very positive development. "This bilateral agreement underscores the closeness of the UK-Cyprus relationship," he added.
The United Kingdom-Cyprus Joint Statement states that the United Kingdom Government and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus are announcing the next important step in the implementation of the bilateral arrangement reached in 2014 on the regulation of non-military development in the Bases.
The Department of the Environment of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Base Administration will announce on Wednesday morning the draft Policy Statement for the British Bases, Urban Maps and the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (IFRS).
The announcement of the SMPE will launch a 35-day public consultation phase, which is the essential first step to allow, according to the provisions of the final Policy Statement for the British Bases, the residential and commercial development of land in the Bases on the same basis. with Democracy, supplemented.
It is also stated that the implementation of the Charter reflects the excellent level of relations between the two countries and our Governments. "In the 60th year of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus, it represents an important step forward in further strengthening and deepening our cooperation and bilateral relationship, which is based on common values, principles and ideals, as well as the strong and historical bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries and our peoples ”is added.
It also demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring and promoting the well-being of residents and communities living within the British Bases, while ensuring that the Bases continue to operate in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Establishment Treaty.
It is recalled that the Non-Military Development Regulation was signed in 2014 by former Foreign Ministers Ioannis Kasoulidis and William Hague and reaffirmed in a written statement by President Anastasiadis and former Prime Minister David Cameron the same year. Since then, long talks have followed on the details of the implementation of the regulation, a phase that has now been completed.
The non-military development agreement affects three municipalities (Ypsonas, Kato Polemidion and Deryneia) and 16 communities (Asomatos, Trachoni, Kolossi, Erimi, Sotira, Paramali, Avdimou, Akrotiri, Frenaros, Avgorou, Achefytou, Alofou, Xyla, Ormidia Achna) in the provinces of Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta.
Joint Announcement on "Settlement between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding the Regulation of Growth in the Dominant Regions"
The United Kingdom Government and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus are announcing today the next important step in the implementation of the bilateral arrangement reached in 2014 on the regulation of non-military development in the Bases.
The Department of the Environment of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Base Administration will announce tomorrow morning the draft Policy Statement for the British Bases, the urban maps and the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) concerning the The announcement of the SMPE will launch a 35-day public consultation phase, which is the essential first step to allow, according to the provisions of the final Policy Statement for the British Bases, the residential and commercial development of land in the Bases on the same basis. with the Republic.
The implementation of the Amendment reflects the excellent level of relations between the two countries and our Governments. In the 60th year of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus, it represents an important step forward in further strengthening and deepening our cooperation and bilateral relations, which are based on common values, principles and ideals, as well as the strong and historic. friendship ties that exist between the two countries and our peoples.
It also demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring and promoting the well-being of residents and communities living within the British Bases, while ensuring that the Bases continue to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Establishment Treaty.
Famagusta.News / KYPE