Cyprus Famagusta Mayor raises issue of Turkish settlers at COPPEM

Mayor of the fenced off town of Famagusta Alexis Galanos has participated in the 13th General Assembly of the Euro Mediterranean Partnership of Local and Regional Authorities (COPPEM), on behalf of the Union of Municipalities and Communities.

In his address to the meeting, he highlighted the illegal immigration and settling, which are the result of the continuing Turkish occupation of Cyprus’ northern areas and constitute a serious problem to the smooth relations of Europe and the peoples of the region.

Addressing the Committee that dealt with issues of immigration, Galanos made a special reference to the opening of COPPEM offices in Ankara, pointing out that if the reason for this move was not to create impressions, then Turkey, in the context of COPPEM and other international organisations, should implement the acquis communautaire and respect the human rights of the people of Cyprus as a whole.

Turkish delegate Mustafa Aydin replied to Galanos, questioning the occupation of Famagusta and Cyprus' northern third by Turkey.

One of the Greek delegates, Nicholas Papamikroulis, replied to Aydin, and the Chairman of the Committee requested that views be submitted in writing and the issue be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee.

The 13th General Assembly took place in Palermo, Sicily, on December 20 and 21, with the participation of over 100 delegates from 24 countries, mainly from the EU and the Mediterranean.

A total of five Committees convened in the framework of the General Assembly and discussed issues mainly concerning the Mediterranean.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. A constant influx of illegal Turkish settlers have been arriving in Cyprus since 1975 and are now estimated to be well over 100,000. Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and refuses to comply with EU decisions relating to Cyprus, with regard to Ankara’s accession negotiations.