A delegation from AKEL Famagusta held a meeting with the Political Administrator of the Dhekelia British Bases, Maria Kyriakidou-Pieri, to discuss what the party described as serious and longstanding problems facing communities located within or affected by the British Bases.
According to AKEL, a series of issues that have remained unresolved for years were raised, which the party said directly affect residents’ daily lives, the use of private properties, and the development prospects of the areas concerned.
Particular emphasis was placed on delays in examining objections to the Policy Statement published in 2022 and on the revision of planning zones, which AKEL said continue to prevent hundreds of property owners from making use of their properties and create serious obstacles to economic development in the affected areas.
AKEL also raised the issues of upgrading the Xylofagou coastal front, improving the road network in the communities of Xylophagou, Ormideia and Achna, creating new residential areas in Achna, and the need for substantive measures to support development and stem population decline in the Strovilia area.
During the meeting, AKEL underlined that residents of these areas cannot continue to face the same unresolved issues year after year. The party said specific decisions, clear timelines and substantive cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus and local authorities are required in order for projects and arrangements to proceed that would allow the communities to develop on equal terms with other areas.
The delegation also raised the issue of securing the right of refugee residents from Kontea and Lysi to cultivate and make use of their agricultural land falling within the administrative boundaries of the Dhekelia British Bases.
AKEL said the owners continue to face restrictions and uncertainty over their actual ability to use their land, and said the British Bases must show genuine will to secure what the party described as the owners’ inalienable right to make use of their property.
AKEL reiterated that its position on the existence and operation of the British Bases in Cyprus is longstanding and unchanged. However, the party said that, based on current realities, it will continue to press and exert pressure on the British Bases administration to fully observe and implement the commitments it has made to local authorities and the Republic of Cyprus.
AKEL said citizens living and active in the affected communities are entitled to equal treatment, respect for their rights, and genuine prospects for development.
