Violence does not solve any problem at all and is condemnable wherever it comes from, said the President Nikos Christodoulides, referring to yesterday’s incidents in Chloraka, Pafos district, adding that immigration is among the government’s high priorities and violence does not help the swift resolution of the matter.
In statements on Monday evening upon his arrival at an anti-occupation event in Nicosia, the President noted that migrant returns have increased by 55% and the returns office has been strengthened. He added that 1,800 asylum applications are being processed per month, up from 1,000. He also said that arrivals in Cyprus have decreased by 50%, precisely because the issue is a priority for the government.
“We have a specific plan. I completely understand the difficulties it creates. I have already spoken with relevant Ministers and in the coming weeks you will also see decisions in relation to allowances, rights and so on,” he said.
He noted that the Republic of Cyprus, as a member state of the EU and the UN meets its international obligations. However, he added, there is zero tolerance “to those who take advantage of the situation, to all those who present our country as an attractive destination, which is why they have also made advertising campaigns in three specific countries, where the problem occurs and, I repeat, it is among the government’s priorities.”
When asked how peace will be ensured in the village of Chloraka, he said the Minister of Justice and the Chief of Police are currently in Pafos and they will hold meetings with the Community Council as well as with the Syrian group of migrants residing there. “I have personally spoken with the chief of the Police, I have conveyed my position: to guarantee public order; the feeling of security of the citizens is non-negotiable and the instructions are clear,” President Christodoulides said, noting that his instructions are to do whatever possible, so that citizens feel safe.
A demonstration against Chloraka becoming a migrant ghetto on Sunday evening was followed by altercations among different groups of people and vandalisms during which damage was caused to cars, houses and shops in the area.
Source: Cyprus News Agency