The efforts of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) for the development of the free province of Famagusta, through the proposed development program for the period 2024 – 2029, are of enormous importance, not only for the residents of the free Famagusta but also for Cyprus as a whole, said the Mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, in his greeting at the Annual General Assembly of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry held on Wednesday 15/11 in Ayia Napa.
The Mayor of Famagusta, speaking at the annual General Assembly, stated that "development goals beyond the business sector promote sports, academic and cultural infrastructures that will be a valuable resource for the region's youth and its further flourishing. At the same time, the strengthening of the province's infrastructure and services can be a solid foundation for the difficult task of rebuilding our city on the blessed day of return."
Mr. Ioannou stated that "the people of Famagusta did not wait for Pyla to realize that the status quo is the illusion of a supposedly static situation. On the contrary. New accomplishments are created every day and we experience this much more strongly in Famagusta in the last three years. And of course I'm talking about the implementation of Turkish plans in our enclosed city."
The Mayor of Famagusta added that "it wasn't long ago that some, some in good faith, expressed fears that the issue of Famagusta would overshadow the Cyprus problem as a whole. Unfortunately, today we see the opposite happening. How the new Turkish aggression, which primarily targets Famagusta, comes as a realization of the will of the Turkish leadership to seal the de facto division of the island. It is an attempt to create such achievements on the ground that strengthen the Turkish methods for a two-state solution".
Mr. Ioannou mentioned that the Municipality of Famagusta continued to exert pressure on the International factor and especially the European Union, putting before them the problem of Famagusta as part of the overall problem of the Cypriot people after they have visited the European Parliament where they again met its President Roberta Metsola. In Cyprus they have also welcomed the President of the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, Dolores Monsterat, the US Ambassador Julie Fisher and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Colin Stewart.
The Mayor of Famagusta emphasized that as Famagusta residents they cannot accept any other solution than the overall settlement of the Cyprus issue that reunites the country and our people. Solution of Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality with political equality as defined in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.