“I welcome with great satisfaction the decision by the Serbian company EXIT to withdraw from organizing the music festival that had been scheduled for September, in the area of the Castle in occupied Kyrenia.”
This is stated, among other things, in a written statement by DISY MEP Loukas Fourlas, who a few days ago had sent a letter to the Serbian President asking him to intervene to cancel the event in the occupied territories.
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SEE ALSO: EXIT’s statement: Explains why it wanted to organize a festival at Kyrenia Castle and why it is withdrawing
Read the rest of the statement:
“This is a responsible and appropriate decision, which I consider particularly important. I also appreciate the fact that the company, through its public statement, has recognized the profound historical and emotional significance that Kyrenia and its Castle hold for the Cypriot people, as well as the sensitivities associated with the illegal Turkish occupation.
At the same time, I would like to commend the stance taken by Serbia’s political forces, as well as the reactions expressed by Serbian society and the Serbian people themselves. These reactions demonstrate that the friendly relations between Cyprus and Serbia are not limited to the political level, but are deeply rooted in the two peoples.
From the very beginning, coordinated and substantive actions were taken, both toward Serbia’s political leadership and directly toward the company responsible for organizing the event.
Personally, as a Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee, I maintained constant and open communication with all parties involved, with the aim of having EXIT withdraw; the company ultimately understood the seriousness of the matter.
I want to be clear: in cases like this, there is no room for personal agendas, petty political squabbles, or a race to claim credit for the success. The eagerness of some to present themselves as the sole architects of a development that resulted from the coordinated efforts of many parties does not reflect either the reality or the seriousness of the issue.
The issue was not who would take the credit. The issue was to prevent the event from taking place in occupied Kyrenia. And that was achieved.
Kyrenia is not just any venue for a musical event. It is occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Its castle is an integral part of our history and cultural heritage.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this development, in Cyprus and in Serbia, and especially those who recognized that culture can unite peoples only when it respects historical memory, international law, and their sensitivities.
Today we focus on the positive: a Serbian company listened, understood, and made the right decision. This is a message that strengthens the bonds of friendship between the two peoples.”
