Nicosia: DISY MEP Loucas Fourlas has formally appealed to the Serbian President, urging immediate intervention regarding a music festival organized by the Serbian company EXIT Festival, planned for September 18, 2026, at Kyrenia Castle. The site, located in areas under Turkish occupation in Cyprus, holds significant historical and cultural value.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Fourlas, who also serves as the Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, emphasized the potential risk of indirectly legitimizing the status quo in the occupied territories through the festival. He highlighted the longstanding ties between Cyprus and Serbia, expressing the necessity for Serbia to maintain its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cyprus.
Kyrenia has been under Turkish occupation since 1974, and the castle is a pivotal monument for Cypriots. Fourlas stressed that while Cyprus supports cultural exchanges, such events should not be used to recognize or strengthen illegal entities.
Fourlas appealed to the Serbian authorities to prevent the festival at Kyrenia Castle, ensuring no Serbian entity contributes to the legitimization of the occupied areas' structures. He expressed confidence that Serbia, understanding the importance of territorial integrity, would respond positively to this request.