The new bi-communal Europe Direct Centre was inaugurated in
Nicosia
Initiatives such as the inauguration of the bi-communal Europe Direct
Centre in Nicosia contribute to the final goal, which is the reunification of
Cyprus within the arms of the European community, the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr
Constantinos Yorkadjis highlighted.
Mr Yorkadjis was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the
new Europe Direct Centre (EDIC) in Nicosia, held today, in the Home
of Cooperation, in the Buffer Zone. The Head of the European Commission
Representation in Cyprus, Mr Georgios Markopouliotis, and the Turkish Cypriot,
Mr Mehmet Harmancı also addressed the ceremony.
Europe Direct Nicosia was established in February 2015 by the
Association for Historical Dialogue and Research EDIC Nicosia is co-funded by the European Union and is a part of wider Europe Direct network, which aims to provide
accessible, user-friendly information to EU citizens about their rights and
opportunities, as well as on the priorities, policies and programmes of the
European Union. The citizens of Nicosia can be served in Greek, Turkish and
English.
Upon welcoming the attendants, Mr Markopouliotis referred to the
crucial role of EDICs, namely to provide information directly to citizens on
their rights, on EU policies and on any EU related questions. “Together with the
Representations they make Brussels more accessible to citizens”, Mr
Markopouliotis noted. He further expressed the hope that “residents of Nicosia
from both sides of the Green Line will indeed use this tool we placed at their
disposal”, stressing that the EDICs are there to serve the citizens, to help
them better understand the EU and its policies that aim at improving citizens’
daily life. Concluding, Mr Markopouliotis quoted President Juncker, who
reiterated this morning his hope, his ambition and his wish to see the island
united next year, expressing his confidence that this is feasible under the
current conditions.
On his part, the Mayor of Nicosia , Mr Yorkadjis , underlined the challenges that Nicosia faces on a daily basis,
stressing, though, that “empowered by the European values of democracy, justice,
solidarity, respect of human rights and diversity, we remain focused and
determined to achieve European fulfilment. We patiently await for a resolution
to our national tragedy, the liberation and reunification of our country and our
city”. Moreover, Mr Yorkadjis referred to the strong and stable European
orientation of Cyprus, adding that the future of all Cypriots is in Europe. “And
initiatives such as these act as a helping prelude to our eventual goal: The
reunification of Cyprus within the arms of the European community”, Mr Yorkadjis
said.
Speaking on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mr Harmancı stressed the importance of the presence of the EU on the
negotiations table, as a technical advisor. He pointed out that more bi-communal
projects and initiatives should be implemented. “If there will be a solution
soon, we will all have to work together”, he said, adding that, in order for
projects to be implemented, EU financial support and guidance is needed.
Lastly, Mrs Paraskevi Koumi, EDIC Nicosia Officer, highlighted the
upcoming events that EDIC Nicosia is organizing, aiming to inform citizens about
EU programmes and to promote EU values and opportunities. Events, such as film
festivals, study fair, cycling, kid’s clubs, etc, contribute to a strong
presence of the Centre within the residents of Nicosia.
The ceremony was concluded with music programme performed by the
Bicommunal Choir for Peace, with songs sung in both languages, Greek and
Turkish.
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9/9/2015
