Organized shopkeepers in the Municipality of Paralimni will seek meetings with all political parties in order to express their concerns and views regarding the effects that the operation of the Deryneia roadblock causes on the economy of free Famagusta.
Speaking to "F", their representative Markos Pasis stated that with the seemingly reduced arrivals in tourism, but also the existing problems in the small and medium enterprises sector in general, the negative impact of the Deryneia roadblock is now obvious and not hiding. And it becomes even more intense in view of indications but also findings by businessmen in the Paralimni area, that in occupied Famagusta the regime and the Turkish Cypriots are preparing to receive an increased number of visitors during the main months of tourism. That is, in July and August. Including the Greek Cypriots, mainly from Nicosia, who will be in the area at this time in increased numbers.
According to Mr. Pasis, shopkeepers in Paralini, Deryneia, Ayia Napa and wider Famagusta are concerned about the indications that the well-known beach of "Glossa" in occupied Famagusta, has been organized like other beaches in the area. , with the orientation of attracting tourists / visitors from the free areas.
Mr. Pasis also characterized the opening of the Deryneia roadblock, which is only three kilometers from Paralimni, 4-5 from Ayia Napa and Sotira, as a tragic mistake, as it clearly facilitated access to occupied Famagusta. Always in relation to the roadblock of Strovilia and the route that one had to follow to enter the occupied area of the island.
"With the VAT rate, other taxes, the clear difference in the price of fuel and generally every aspect of the cost of products and services favoring the Turkish Cypriots, the economy of free Famagusta is now facing a relentless pounding," he said. Mr. Pasis. Adding that now visible are shops and businesses in the area. "Was wrong. "There was a passage for the occupied areas and it was Strovilia", said Mr. Pasis, Referring to the Deryneia roadblock.
"We pushed the Greek Cypriots and the tourism of Ayia Napa, Protaras and Paralimni to the occupied territories, with all the negative consequences that this entails", added Mr. Pasis, also pointing out that with the salaries of 800 and 900 euros with which many Greek Cypriots are paid and many others who are unemployed and still depend on benefits "it is understandable why the Greek Cypriot people resort to cheaper shopping and fuel in the occupied territories". However, he continued, "a black hole has been created at the moment in the economy of free Famagusta, through which money is channeled to another economy. This further exacerbates the already existing problem of economic hardship in the region. "
In addition, Mr. Pasis in his reports on the roadblock of Deryneia included the views, as he said, of colleagues in the shopkeepers' sector and in neighboring Deryneia. "Which is just a kilometer away from providing services and goods from the occupied territories and is the first to accept the negative consequences at the moment," he said.
Source: Liberal