"Paralimni and Ayia Napa were deceived"

The possibility that the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni have been deceived regarding their proclamation in Urban Centers was expressed yesterday during the session of the Parliamentary Committee for Refugees.

The discussion focused on the compensatory measures requested by the Municipality of Dromolaxia-Meneou for the operation and use of land from Larnaca International Airport but also the co-financed programs which it lacks because it is not considered an urban center.

Mr. Costas Iakovou, representative of the General Directorate of European Coordination and Development Programs, stated that the energy upgrade plans that will be announced will be difficult for refugees to benefit because property titles are required. He also said that the programs will cover up to 50% of the cost.

He also referred to a political decision of the cabinet in 2014, according to which Paralimni and Ayia Napa are considered the urban centers of the province of Famagusta.

However, as he said, urban centers are defined on the basis of criteria from urban planning which have not been differentiated so that in practice they are not urban centers and can not benefit from European sponsorships.

He explained that the two municipalities were suggested to carry out the projects as provided by the co-financed programs in order to maintain the possibility of claiming funds.

The chairman of the commission, Skevi Koukouma, stated that a political decision has been made to declare Paralimni and Ayia Napa urban centers, however, he noted that the two municipalities have been deceived and that the decision has been left on paper.

On behalf of the Department of Urban Planning, Ms. Katerina Antoniou stated that each year a budget of approximately € 100.000 will be included in the Budget in order to implement infrastructure projects.

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