According to a report on Philenews, Deryneia Mayor Andros Karayiannis expressed concerns regarding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's plans for the construction of over a thousand residential units in occupied Kato Deryneia. Karayiannis emphasized the potential ramifications of the President's announcement, which has raised apprehensions among refugees and residents of Deryneia.
As described in the report, Karayiannis highlighted that during his election campaign, President Erdogan had unveiled a social policy aimed at supporting young couples in Kato Deryneia. However, this announcement has caused unease as it signifies an expansion of Turkish influence, extending to the barbed wire fence on Ammochostos Avenue.
"For the past six months, we have been receiving information about housing construction in the occupied area of Deryneia, which we have reported alongside the concerns shared by all refugees"
"For the past six months, we have been receiving information about housing construction in the occupied area of Deryneia, which we have reported alongside the concerns shared by all refugees," stated Karayiannis. The affected land, where the proposed houses and apartments are expected to be built, belongs to residents of Deryneia and Famagusta, specifically from Ayios Memnonas. Many individuals own properties in this area, as Kato Deryneia was established by people who migrated from different parts of Cyprus, worked in Famagusta prior to 1974, and built their homes in the 1960s and 1970s. Unfortunately, some were unable to access their properties due to the Turkish invasion.
Karayiannis outlined the steps that will be taken to address the development plans announced by the Turkish President. "While the powers of a mayor are limited, we will denounce this specific announcement through the relevant ministries, namely the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as we have done in the past whenever we have observed any movement in the occupied area of Deryneia and Famagusta," he explained.
As mentioned in the Philenews report, the mayor stressed the urgent need for all parties to recognize the expansionist intentions of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as it directly affects the free areas and causes concerns and insecurity among residents. Karayiannis further noted that even Turkish Cypriots, with whom he occasionally communicates, condemn the announcement, as it involves housing Turks born in third-generation Turkey, whose numbers are expected to continuously increase. This population growth is worrisome to both Turkish Cypriots and the neighboring residents of Famagusta, who witness the daily construction activities taking place in the occupied city.
Additionally, Karayiannis pointed out that Kato Deryneia is chosen for development due to its relatively lower costs compared to residential areas in Trikomo and Karpasia. He further mentioned that houses in the region have been built and sold to individuals from various nationalities, including Russians, Jews, and Iranians.
While striving to raise awareness and make their voices heard, Cypriot mayors, including Karayiannis, participate in the European Committee of the Regions. However, he expressed his concern that their EU counterparts appear fatigued regarding discussions surrounding the Cyprus problem, as they have been exposed to it repeatedly over time.
According to the report, as the plans for residential unit construction progress, the concerns raised by Deryneia Mayor Andros Karayiannis highlight the broader implications of Turkish expansion in the occupied areas, urging attention and action from relevant authorities and international stakeholders.
