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Let me thank you for your special invitation to attend and welcome the annual General Assembly of the Association, whose members are once again away from their beloved villages. This year marks the half-century of occupation and exile. Fifty years later, the wound remains open from that black summer of 1974 and our desire for freedom remains unquenched.
The President of the Republic's declared and unwavering position is the determination and political will to find a solution to our national question. With targeted initiatives, we seek a meaningful dialogue for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. A solution based on the principles of international and European law, ending the occupation, freeing our country from Turkish troops and safeguarding the human rights and freedoms of all Cypriots.
It was our specific actions in the international and European community that led to the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, who is currently exploring the ground for a return to negotiations. The readiness of the Greek Cypriot side is a given and our goal of averting a fait accompli is non-negotiable. The maintenance of the status quo cannot be accepted. Despite Turkish intransigence, we will continue to claim what is rightfully ours until final vindication and the reunification of our homeland and our people in conditions of progress, democracy and peace.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The action and work of the three provincial Unions (Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta), under the umbrella of the Union of Occupied Communities, is particularly important, especially when it comes to supporting the refugee world.
The refugee world has admittedly borne the brunt of the consequences of the Turkish invasion and is still deprived of its basic rights. Hence the Government of Nicos Christodoulides, in the context of its refugee policy, has implemented and launched a series of actions for the universal support of the displaced.
Thirty-five days after taking over the government of the country, we developed and announced the "BuildingZO" Plan, which aims to finally solve the long-standing problem of the unsuitability of apartment buildings in government settlements. It is an ambitious project, with a budget of €131 million, which will ensure safe and decent housing for displaced people. I know that this has been a long-standing request for many years and we are pleased to see that it is well advanced in its implementation and we expect the construction of the first new blocks of flats to start soon.
At the same time, the Ministry of Interior, as of 1 January this year, has revised upwards the amount of rent allowances given through the Rent Subsidy Scheme for Displaced Persons, Survivors and others.
At the same time, the Ministry of Interior, as of 1 January this year, has revised upwards the amount of rent allowances given through the Rent Subsidy Scheme for Displaced Persons, Survivors and others. The increase was set at 15% for single persons, families and students and 25% for two-person families and affects around 4,500 beneficiaries, at a total cost of €8.5 million.
And as part of the new integrated housing policy announced by the Government last October, we have reintroduced the Land Allocation and Allocation Scheme and a number of plots have been allocated to beneficiaries.
Our recent decision to modernise the way Turkish Cypriot properties are managed in a way that ensures the interests of the refugee population, with transparency and meritocracy, is also very important. For the first time, we are implementing an eligibility and rating system for applicants and introducing clear, measurable and objective indicators, in a clear attempt to limit the discretion of the Custodian, which for decades has created phenomena of abuse and exploitation.
For example, for the first time, criteria are applied and the granting of Turkish Cypriot property is linked to the financial data and the composition of the applicants' families. At the same time, other privately owned property that the applicant may own in the free or occupied areas is taken into account. With regard specifically to the allocation of agricultural land, in addition to the eligibility criteria and weighting, a ceiling is set on the area of land allocated in order to prevent the over-concentration of properties to individuals and to ensure a fairer distribution of the available agricultural land.
I also recall that since last August, on my instructions, we have been proceeding with an audit of all leases of Turkish Cypriot business premises. So far, 2/3 of the contracts have been checked and violations of the leases have been found in 416 cases, for which we are already promoting measures, on the basis of the legislation, to recover the premises and allocate them to other beneficiaries in accordance with the criteria.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In addition to the above actions included in the State's refugee policy, the Ministry of Interior has covered the total expenditure of €200,000 for the renovation of the building of the former Aglantzia SPA, which now houses the Union of Occupied Communities of Nicosia District and the Municipality of Morphou. This building is a temporary headquarters for the 39 Communities of the Union, hosting their activities until the moment of their return to our homeland.
In addition, it was decided that already this year, the annual grant provided by the Ministry of Interior to the 137 occupied Communities to cover their operating costs will be increased from €1.000 to €2,000 for each of them.
Finally, from January 2023, a pension allowance equal to 50% of the allowance received by the community leaders of the free regions will be given to the former community leaders of the occupied communities.
Finally, from January 2023, a pension allowance equal to 50% of the allowance received by the community leaders of the free regions will be given to the former community leaders of the occupied communities. An important arrangement for the benefit of Community Chiefs over the age of 60 who are not in office and who have served at least 30 months in the office of Community Chief.
Friends,
In closing, I would like to assure you of the Government's will and intention to continue to support displaced persons and the statutory groups representing them by strengthening its policies.
I would like, Mr. Antoniou, to convey through you the appreciation of the State to all the representatives of the occupied communities for your strong action in promoting the Cyprus problem and the gross injustice suffered by the refugees for the past 50 years. Undoubtedly, it is your actions that keep the memories of our lands unquenched.
Wishing that this General Assembly of the Union of Occupied Communities of Nicosia District is the last in the refugee era, I congratulate you for the effort you are making to maintain unbreakable ties with the land of your birth, preserving the messages of liberation, return and peace.
I wish you every success in the work of your Assembly.
(MQ)
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