PRASTIO PAPHOS AND THE REST - Pafos Live 23/3
An event for the twinning of the Communities under the name Prastio was held today. These are five communities: Limassol, Kellaki, Famagusta, Paphos and Morphou.
In a greeting during the event, which took place at the Multipurpose Center of the community of Prasti Avdimou, the Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Ellikos Elias, spoke of a deeply symbolic moment, which highlights the power of our common origin and cultural continuity.
Mr. Elias said that the name "Prastio", before the city, does not only geographically define the small settlements that were located near large settlements, and are found in references from the Byzantine Period. It is a living bond that unites people, traditions, experiences and values, he said.
Each of Prastia, he continued, has its own special story to tell. And these stories include the harmonious coexistence of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot fellow villagers in Prastio Avdimou until 1974. And in Prastio Paphos, he said, only Turkish Cypriots lived, until 1974.
Particularly moving, he continued, is the presence of the communities of Prastio Famagusta and Prasti Morphou, which for 52 years have remained under occupation, waiting for the return of their people. "Their participation gives today's event a deeper meaning, making it both a place of remembrance and honor," he pointed out.
The twinning of Prastia, said Mr. Elias, marks the beginning of a new course of cooperation. "A course that can include joint actions in the fields of culture, education and the promotion of our local tradition. Through this partnership, we can preserve our identity and at the same time create new perspectives for our communities," he said.
He noted that at a time when local communities are called upon to face significant challenges, unity and cooperation are valuable assets. Today's initiative proves that when there is a shared vision and will, we can achieve more collectively, he added.
He congratulated the Community Presidents and the residents of the five communities for their commendable initiative and wished that today will be the starting point for a continuous and creative cooperation, which will unite our Communities not only symbolically, but also in practice.
