Some time ago, an initiative group of friends of Notis Sfakianakis decided to raise the issue, requesting its placement in the Cultural Center of Famagusta, which is located on the border of the Municipality of Deryneia, near the roadblock, and is state land.
The Municipal Council of the Municipality of Famagusta, at its meeting in February 2015, decided by a majority to grant permission to place the relevant monument, but in combination with the construction of another monument in honor of Tassos Isaac. For this purpose, it was also decided to set up a four-member committee to implement the decision.
Despite the fact that a long time has passed since then, the decision is not being implemented.
According to the initiative group, there is an unexplained obstruction on the part of the municipality, despite the fact that the relevant decision has been taken. They note that in a series of letters to the competent state departments it has been stated that there is no problem to place the monument in this area.
It is indicative that with a letter from the Ministry of Interior to the Department of Urban Planning last January, it is requested that in cooperation with all other ministries and departments involved, the Municipality of Famagusta be indicated the appropriate licensing process for the project.
It is also noted that a letter from the Department of Public Works to the representative of the initiative group, George Antoniou, stated that the department has no objections to the placement of the sculpture in the courtyard of the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Famagusta and that it should be informed the Ministry of Interior as the owner of the space.
The initiative group claims that the intention of the ministry to cover the costs has been conveyed orally, however the reasons why the project is not progressing are political, as in case of opening of the Deryneia roadblock the presence of the monument could be considered a challenge.
The mayor of Famagusta, Alexis Galanos, to whom we raised the issue, confirmed that there is indeed the decision to place the sculpture, but at the same time the monument that will be created should be for both heroes, namely Tassos Isaac.
"We are waiting for the decision of the government, with which it will inform us that it will finance the monument, from its design until its completion. Such a thing has not happened and the Municipality of Famagusta, as a refugee Municipality, does not have the financial capacity to do so ".
Asked what is being said about other reasons for the delay, Mr. Galanos noted that there is this view from some, but he, like the majority of the Municipal Council, voted in favor. "Let a decision be made by the government to finance the project," he said.
Source: Liberal