Models of a reconstruction plan of the occupied, enclosed city of Famagusta were presented by the television network Euronews, in the context of a tribute to Cyprus, entitled "Cyprus: The trapped treasures of the divided island".
The relevant report features statements by the Greek Cypriot architect, Andreas Lordou, and his Turkish Cypriot colleague, Ceren Bogac. Both are members of an ambitious bi-communal plan to rebuild the occupied city, which has been excluded as a ghost town for almost 43 years. The ambition of both is the occupied enclosed city of Famagusta to become the flagship of the reunification of Cyprus.
Andreas Lordos states that the rebuilt city could become a hub of cultures and trade. This plan provides for the preservation of existing buildings, as a reminder of the past, while utilizing 21st century infrastructure and ecological practices.
Ceren Bogac emphasizes that the project could be a model of reconciliation.
The tribute also features statements by the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pheidia Pilidis, and the President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Fikri Toros.
Mr. Pileidis referred to the already existing contacts and collaborations between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot businessmen and stressed that in case of a solution to the Cyprus problem, it is expected that there will be "renewed interest in major projects". "Let us not forget that Cyprus is on the route of transporting natural gas to Europe, many of which have been located in the eastern Mediterranean basin", adds Mr. Pileidis.
From his point of view, Mr. Fikri Toros believes that the solution of the Cyprus problem will create the conditions for a big leap forward.
He said, among other things, that in the event of a solution to the Cyprus problem "the Turkish Cypriot community will be exempt from sanctions against it and will be able to benefit from the entire Cypriot and European market, while Greek Cypriot businessmen will enjoy the economic benefits of trade." with Turkey ".
Source: National Herald