The Mayor of Deryneia, Andros Karagiannis, emphasizes in an article the important role that the local leaders have in playing in the solution of the Cyprus problem.
On the occasion of the resumption of the debate in the Home Affairs Committee on Local Government Reform, which coincided with the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus to Switzerland, the Mayor of Deryneia notes that for the time being the resolution of the Cyprus issue is paramount. and the dissolution of Municipalities or Communities.
Mr. Karagiannis states that "in these critical times that our country is going through, the Local Government should be a companion in resolving the Cyprus problem", while noting that "an additional task of the Local Authorities is to contribute to the promotion of communication and cooperation of citizens in both communities through the organization of bi-communal, cultural events and programs for young people ".
Finally, he expressed his support for the efforts made by both the President of the Republic and other local leaders of the province of Famagusta who through their political role contribute to ensuring peaceful coexistence and stability in the region.
Detailed article by the Mayor of Deryneia:
The Cyprus issue and the contribution of the Local Government
The recent visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus to Switzerland coincided with the resumption of the debate in the Home Affairs Committee on Local Government Reform. With the completion of the discussion of all three Bills, it will be clarified whether there will be a merger of Municipalities and Communities or a reduction in the number of Municipalities.
In these critical moments that our country is going through, the Local Government should be a companion in the resolution of the Cyprus problem. It is certainly not the Mayors who will solve the Cyprus problem, since this is the responsibility of the President of the Republic of Cyprus. However, the local authorities, due to their direct contact with the citizens, the organized groups and groups of citizens, can contribute to the preparation of the public opinion for the prospects of resolving the Cyprus problem.
Through local rallies and pandemic gatherings, the public could be properly prepared for a possible proposal to be put to a vote in a referendum. Our experience in Local Government tells us that only informed citizens are cooperative and receptive.
With the constant contact, immediacy and closeness provided by the position in the Local Government, we can reassure the usually anxious citizens, listen to them and help them form an opinion on the advantages of a possible solution to the Cyprus problem.
An additional task of the Local Authorities is to contribute to the promotion of communication and cooperation of the citizens in both communities through the organization of bi-communal, cultural events and programs for young people. The rapprochement also promotes the acquaintance with the "other" side, the two communities come closer and their climate and daily life improves.
The two communities could very well, through the Local Authorities, claim European funds for joint actions, initiatives of young people but also for the restoration of monuments as is done through the various Bicommunal Committees. Local Authorities could also encourage economic operators in the two communities to get in touch and promote co-operation through the Green Line Regulation.
The contribution of the Local Authorities in claiming the operation and exercise of our religious right in Churches either in the Dead Zone or in the occupied areas, is also important for the citizens. The promotion of the opening of roadblocks undoubtedly involves the contribution of the Local Authorities, since it creates commercial activity and brings economic development to the two communities.
Local authorities can, through their political role, reassure the people, thus helping to ensure normalcy in the political life of the place, peace and stability in our region. We support the efforts made to resolve the Cyprus problem and we believe that our will should be followed by other institutions. In his honor, the Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta, called on the Priests of the parish of our Diocese to return prayers and supplications for the support of the President and all those involved during the negotiations.
The more institutions support the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, the more chances we have of success. Our first concern should be the peaceful coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots as well as respect for human rights.
The Local Authorities can be very useful in the difficult period that our country is going through in view of the talks for the settlement of the Cyprus problem. If we really want to reunite our island we must expend all our efforts to find a solution that will ensure a better future in our country.
The moments are crucial, both for the place and for the Local Authorities. For the time being, the solution of the Cyprus problem is paramount and not the weakening of the Local Government and the dissolution of Municipalities or Communities.
In this difficult time for our place, we all fit. This is not a time for setbacks, but for unity, progress and cooperation. As Odysseas Elytis said "in the spring if you do not find it, you make it".
Andros G. Karagiannis
Mayor of Deryneia
SotiraNews