Filenews 7 April 2025 - by Natasa Christoforou
A distress signal is sent by the only mixed community in Cyprus, the fragile balances in which they have been disturbed, not because of the relations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents, but because of the inability to deal with organized crime, which has occupied the center of the community. The law of the Republic of Cyprus applies on paper, with the United Nations in charge of controls.
The exploitation of the peculiar regime of Pyla, which turned into... Las Vegas and a den of illegality, it is known to everyone. The problem, however, has been swept under the carpet and no one wants to deal with it, with the excuse that any action will upset the balance. For the residents, however, the reality is completely different, as the Greek Cypriot community leader, Simos Mytidis, says while speaking to "F". Their daily lives have already changed and they only feel what they remember when they want to use them as an example of peaceful coexistence.
"Due to the status of the Gate, the United Nations cannot enforce the law. Unfortunately, the number of casinos, bars for which there is information about trafficking in women and drug trafficking is increasing. There are now 11 casinos, 2 bars and 2 other premises with suspicious activity.
Casinos started 15 years ago in Turkish Cypriot premises and do not pay for electricity or anything. We tried to tax them for the garbage, to no avail. However, these are shouldered by the other taxpayers, who are afraid to circulate at night in the streets of Pyla, as they did in the past. The carelessness that existed has been lost. Thefts from houses have also increased and everyone is linking them to these activities."
The only time there was an attempt to bring order to the area was in 2016, when after a big operation, the illegal premises were closed. Along the way, however, they not only reopened, but also increased, as Mr. Mytidis explains, indicating that the vast majority of customers are Greek Cypriots. "Back then there were 8 and when they reopened they became 11. It must be understood that it is very difficult to be able to keep balance in Pyla. I have always shouted that by showing inability to manage some problems in Pyla, it is to our detriment and at the end of the day we come with various convulsive movements and try to overthrow situations of the expansionist regime, as happened in 2023 when they attacked peacekeepers. We cannot say that Pyla is an example of peaceful coexistence of the two communities and on the other hand we cannot take measures to protect this situation that only exists here. Today, Pyla, due to the special regime, has collected all the illegality and the state and the United Nations are unable to invoke the law and put things in order."
We ask him how much the balance has been affected by the fact that organized crime has infiltrated the community. "They were greatly affected. Due to the regime, the underworld finds refuge in Pyla. He knows that he has no one to knock on his door and ask him for everything it takes to open a business. They have found their peace, but the residents of Pyla, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, believe that it may have been convenient for the respective government and the Police, who say that they cleaned the casinos, etc. from the cities. This is happening, however, because everyone gathered in Pyla. What we want is for something to be done, the situation cannot continue like this or let them find a formula to control and be taxed".
The mayor of Pyla made it clear, however, that the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriot residents of the community live in harmony. Pyla is an example of the coexistence of the two communities and it is something that can be seen. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can live together, it is something we live. However, Pyla cannot be considered a model for a solution to the Cyprus problem. This is because there are double standards here. It is not possible for your neighbouring premises, which are Turkish Cypriots, to be rented, for example, by a Greek Cypriot or by anyone else and not to pay taxes for water, electricity, garbage, etc. There is discrimination, but also unfair competition. A Greek Cypriot, if he opens, for example, a grocery store, cannot compete with his neighbour, who does not pay for electricity or brings some products from the occupied areas."
The only Local Government complex with... One member
The fact that Pyla is treated as an area of another category was also evident from the fact that initially it was not included in the reform of Local Government. It is noted that the peculiar status applies to the core of the community, while about 60% of its very large area falls within the boundaries of the Republic of Cyprus and the British Bases of Dhekelia.
Recently, the Gate became part of the reform, however, even in this it is original, since it is the only complex in which there is only... one member. "Fortunately, after a meeting with the Minister of the Interior, the issue was clarified and the Gate was included, through a special regulation, in the list of clusters. We will be on our own, but we will operate like a middle complex. I told them, before the settlement, that it is not possible to enter the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that Pyla is nowhere to be found. I told them that this shows weakness and it is like giving the Gate to Turkey's plate. Normally, we would have to join the Municipality of Larnaca in order to unify the coastal front. However, we were told that this is not done for political reasons. After the arrangement that was made, we are the members of the community council who remained on the same payroll, while our colleagues with much fewer residents receive much more. You understand that in Pyla there are many responsibilities for the community council, it is not a part-time job".
The status in the center of the community, however, does not constitute a brake on the development of Pyla, which has been frenetic in recent years, now reaching almost 10,000 inhabitants. Five hotels and many tourist accommodations are active in the sought-after coastal area, while there are plans for at least two other large units.
In addition, more and more foreigners and Cypriots are choosing it for owner-occupancy purposes.
"Without wanting to sound localist, this is the best area of Larnaca, since, due to its amphitheatrical character, wherever you stand you see the sea. Especially for a foreigner it is a very attractive area. Pyla was left behind after the invasion, but took off after Cyprus' accession to the EU. We have millions of dollars in development at the moment and there are still many licenses pending."
Besides, according to Mr. Mytidis, important projects have been launched, such as the redevelopment of the core and the creation of a coastal pedestrian street, which will enhance its image.
