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Everything we do to tackle the increased migration flows falls within the framework of legality and international regulations, Minister of Interior Mr. Constantinos Ioannou, speaking to media representatives on the sidelines of a meeting with the Provisional Coordinating Council (PCC) of the Limassol District Self-Government Organisation (DGO). He added that the government, at this stage, does not wish to comment on issues related to the protection of the interests of the Republic of Cyprus. In addition, referring to the progress of the implementation of the reform of the Local Government of Limassol, Mr. Ioannou expressed his satisfaction with the development of the processes, saying that, according to the briefing, "most of the issues are going well in terms of staffing, finding the buildings and some other individual issues."
In addition, referring to the implementation of the reform of the Local Government of Limassol, Mr. Ioannou expressed his satisfaction with the development of the processes, saying that, according to the briefing, "most of the issues are going well in terms of staffing, finding the buildings and some other individual issues. There will certainly be difficulties at the beginning, as with any major reform. We are changing the culture, bringing together different organisations under one roof. The Minister also conveyed the readiness of the Ministry of Interior to intervene to resolve any problems, also in cooperation with the Interim Coordinating Council. "The aim is for all the Districts to be ready on time," the Home Minister said."
He reiterated that in the licensing sector, as of July 1, staff from three different authorities, the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Municipalities and the District Administrations, are being grouped together. "These are three different cultures, they will carry with them all the pending applications and so, probably in the beginning there will be a period of adjustment. I don't see them as problems, I think it is a matter of adaptation," Ioannou explained.
Asked about the staff to be seconded to the EDAs, the Interior Minister said that the issue has been resolved, stressing that "we have arranged for more staff to be seconded than what we have been asked for." He reminded that the secondment of staff will be for 18 months and then, if the employee wishes, he will have the option to remain at the EDA.
He added that since last October, "we have been in the process of simplifying the procedures at the Department of Planning and Zoning so as to reduce the examination time. The combination of the two (i.e. hiring staff and simplifying procedures), we believe will allow many more applications to be reviewed than are being reviewed now."
Asked to comment on voter movements and objections that have been raised, Ioannou said that these are being investigated and if anything untoward comes up, complaints will be made.
Asked if there is an intention to make changes to the legislation relating to voter transfers after the Elections, the Home Secretary said there is a thought, if feasible, to submit applications earlier so that there is scope for them to be dealt with in a timely manner should there be such a large number of transfers and objections again.
Finally, asked to say what stage the issue of building inspection is at, in the wake of yesterday's infrastructure roof collapse in Limassol, the Minister said that it is ongoing and added that the risk of buildings should also be examined by the Local Authorities, i.e. the Municipalities in mayoral areas and the Provincial Administrations for Communes.
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