A NUMBER of refugee families have expressed an interest in returning to Rizokarpaso and Ayia Triada to their occupied homes, according to Karpasia Co-ordinating Committee President Nicos Falas.
At a news conference held yesterday Falas also announced that an extra six children, in addition to the current 12-14, would be attending the Rizokarpaso gymnasium as of the new school term in September.
He also welcomed the government’s efforts and those of other political leaders for their efforts to improve the lives of the enclaved and congratulated them on the re-opening of the Rizokarpaso school.
However, he stressed that there were still matters regarding safety that needed addressing and this is why he has arranged to meet with American Ambassador Michael Klosson at 4pm today.
During his meeting with Klosson, Falas will address the issues of the 24 teachers who will be posted to Rizokarpaso schools, especially the ones who will be crossing the checkpoint on a daily basis from the south. “We want to make it easy so they do not have to show their identification each time they pass the checkpoint,” said Falas.
The Co-ordinating Committee president will also raise the issue of refugees wishing to return to their homes in the Karpas, which are now occupied by Turkish settlers. The matter of returning church icons of Apostolos Andreas to their rightful owners will also be discussed.
The Greek Cypriot enclaved are also requesting the presence of the UN peacekeeping forces to feel safe.
Referring to the matter of refugee families wishing to return home, Falas has suggested a temporary solution to the government. The construction of prefabricated houses for the refugees to live in.
When questioned on the efforts made by the Turkish Cypriot side to help the enclaved, Falas said that there was a general feeling they were trying to help, according to his information.
“Although the reopening of the Rizokarpaso gymnasium is a step in the right direction it is by no means a solution to the enclaved or the Cyprus problem,” said Falas.
He added that he does not see this as a “saving grace but that it does give us hope that we can continue our battle to save Karpasia and Cyprus from permanent partition.”
Falas stressed that the Committee’s goals were justice for the enclaved, the freeing of the occupied areas and allowing refugees to return to their homes.
Finally Falas said he and the Committee were grateful to DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades for his visit to the Karpas and for talking to the people giving them encouragement for a brighter future.
