23.05.2024
The European History Park of the Municipality of Aradippos was opened by Constantinos Ioannou. He stated that “the inauguration of this park coincides with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’s accession to the great European family.”
He called Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004 “one of the most important successes of our country since its founding in 1960, which was made possible after the long-term and persistent efforts of all local governments.” Since then, the benefits we have enjoyed as Cypriot European citizens are varied and have contributed to the positive transformation of our country.”
“By joining the great European family,” the minister continued, “we give the right to all citizens of Cyprus to travel, study, work and live in any other EU member state. We have seen and continue to see the practical application of the fundamental European principle of solidarity in many large and serious problems, such as the economic crisis, the pandemic, immigration.”
He described as “particularly important” the assistance and support from the European Union regarding the Cyprus national issue and said that “the Cyprus issue is recognized by our partners as a European issue par excellence and, like Cyprus, we are invested in the cooperation and contribution of the European Union to its final settlement.”
“Moreover, the final solution to the Cyprus question will ensure the rights of all legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus in a reunited, modern and European homeland, in the same way that citizens of other European Union member states enjoy their freedoms and rights,” he said.
The minister also expressed satisfaction that “the municipality of Aradippou recognizes the importance of our country’s presence in the European family, as well as the value of our common path with 26 other states for the future of our country.”
With its initiative to create the park, which opens today, “the municipality of Aradippou has given the park an educational character, giving not only students, but also all visitors to the park the opportunity to be informed and acquire knowledge about other member states of the Union.”
In his greeting, he also mentioned that “investment in infrastructure and projects that will promote education and culture will not only improve the quality of life of citizens, but will also transform the tourism product in areas such as Aradippou , which is in the heart of the province and in the last has experienced tremendous growth over the years thanks to the vision of Larnaca’s local communities .”
In his welcome, Andreas Kettis , head of the European Parliament office in Cyprus, said that the opening of the park, which will be used as the office of the European Parliament, “for events mainly with students, proves that Cyprus is an equal member of the great European family.” He mentioned “the efforts of some political leaders and many government officials who worked tirelessly for the entry of Cyprus into the European Union in cooperation with Greece and the Greek Parliament” and noted that “the inclusion of our country in the Union was not at all a given, since there were parliaments such as Dutch, who vetoed the inclusion of divided Cyprus in the Union.”
As Andreas Kettis stated , “Today the entire territory of Cyprus, from Paphos and Akamas to Rizokarpasos and Apostolos Andreas, is European territory. In occupied Cyprus, laws were suspended until the blessed day of reunification.”
Mayor Aradippou Evangelos Evangelidis mentioned the park in his greeting and said that “it is built on an area of about 1000 sq.m. and is located on the edge of the Rizoelias National Forest Park . The project includes an engraved map of Europe and a glass painting that echoes the myth of the Rapture of Europe, and information plaques around the perimeter containing important information about each EU member state, such as capital, population, language and year joining the Union.”
He also stated that “an open exhibition space has been created for actions and events related to the history and evolutionary process of the European Union. Its goal is to cover European history in an enjoyable and easy-to-follow educational format. The park is a space open to all, necessary to stimulate the interest of visitors, especially children, in the history of Europe, as well as in the principles on which the European Union was built, freedom and democracy, peace and solidarity, justice and respect for human rights”.
It is noted that work on the park began in April 2023, was completed in November of the same year, its cost was approximately 333 thousand euros plus VAT, and the sponsor was the municipality of Aradippou .
