Mayors urged to take active role in rapprochement

MAYORS on both sides of the Green Line should take the initiative to make contact and not leave it all up to politicians, the President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Coucil of Europe, Giovanni di Stasi, said yesterday.

“We cannot accept to have the last capital in Europe as a divided capital, we cannot accept to have ghost cities in our continent,” said di Stasi. He said his aim was to work together with the mayors to accelerate the process of reunification.

Di Stasi was speaking with representatives of local authorities yesterday.
“What we are trying to do now is to understand if there is a possibility for Mayors, for citizens to take part in the reconciliation process, and we believe we can take an initiative”, he said.

He said that from September, work could begin with the mayors interacting with members of the public about the possibilities for increased contacts.

“Because in this process it’s not only head of states or governments that have to take responsibilities, but also Mayors who live next to citizens,” di Stasi said.

”And in order to change the situation, we want to take our part of responsibilities. We are ready to do so.”

He said a plan could be prepared, which could be supported by all mayors. This would also deliver a strong message throughout the Council of Europe, he added

Di Saasi who also plans to meet Turkish Cypriot representatives during his visit.

Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zampelas said di Stasi and his delegation would ascertain the situation in Cyprus and work out a way for Turkish Cypriot representatives to take part in Congress deliberations.

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