Nicosia Mayor regrets statements by Turkish Cypriot side

Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou has expressed disappointment over statements by the so-called mayor of Turkish occupied Nicosia Cemal Bulutoglulari, with regard to joint projects that affect the capital.

Bulutoglulari said it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriots to proceed with the implementation of joint projects with the Greek Cypriots, after Mavrou’s decision not to participate in the Fourth World Mayors’ Summit, to be hosted in Istanbul (Constantinople) from April 12 to 15, because the invitation to the meeting addressed her as ”the Mayor of the Greek Cypriot Municipality”.

Mavrou, who was received Wednesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, said that so far she has had a series of meetings with Bulutoglulari on various issues concerning Nicosia, which can be settled through the cooperation of the two sides, underlining that “our goal is to continue the contacts and cooperation between the two sides.”

She said “tension harms efforts for cooperation” and that she believes that cooperation is for the benefit of both sides.

“Both sides gain from such cooperation and I am sure that more dispassionate thoughts will prevail in the future,” she added.

Mavrou noted that “we have the will to cooperate with full respect to the other side”, noting however that issues that have to do with respect to international law cannot be ignored.

Following this latest development, the need to intensify efforts for a settlement of the Cyprus problem is even more pressing, she said, stressing that “it is only through this framework that these issues will be settled.”

Mavrou said that there was no change with regard to the invitation to the meeting in Constantinople, adding that she will not participate.

“We want to attend the meeting, we believe in cooperation especially among members of civil society. We cannot however close our eyes to ignorance of international law,” she added.

On her meeting with Cyprus President, Mavrou said they discussed issues concerning the development of Nicosia, including the opening of a crossing at

Ledra Street

, in the capital Nicosia.

“It is an issue which the political leadership is handling, in addition to the restoration of nearby buildings and security concerns in the area,” she added.

Mavrou said that Nicosia Municipality has made preparations for the opening of a crossing into the Turkish occupied northern part of the island in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot side.

“There are still difficulties, especially as regards the position of the soldiers. I hope there will be an outcome,” she added.

On March 8th, the National Guard, Cyprus’ army, removed the wall at

Ledra Street

which was erected soon after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

However, the government of Cyprus clarified that the demolition of the wall does not mean the opening of the crossing point to and from the Turkish occupied areas, unless security issues are addressed.