UNITED KINGDOM - BRITISH CYPRIOTS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER TRAVEL ADVISORIES TO CYPRUS - CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER THEM - Filenews 23/3
The Board of Directors of the British Cypriots expresses strong concern about the impact of the travel advisories recently issued by the United Kingdom for Cyprus, in a letter to the British Undersecretary of State for European Affairs, Stephen Dowdy.
The letter points out that the current period of uncertainty, due to the conflict in the Middle East, has led to the issuance of strict travel advisories, which, as it states, have already caused flight and holiday cancellations, with significant consequences for the tourism industry of Cyprus.
With the Easter season approaching, Cyprus is preparing to welcome millions of visitors, with the tourism sector having already made extensive preparations for the promotion of the island, it is noted.
At the same time, the role of Cyprus in strengthening regional stability is underlined, pointing out that for more than two decades the country has been providing humanitarian aid, contributing to the repatriation of foreign nationals from crisis areas. Particular reference is also made to the current role of Cyprus in the European Presidency.
Recognising the responsibility of the British Foreign Office and the British Government to ensure the safety of their citizens abroad and the importance of timely information, it calls for a review of the advice to reflect, as they stress, a more balanced and proportionate assessment of the situation.
It notes that the current wording of the travel advice may damage the image of Cyprus as a safe and attractive destination, with possible negative economic consequences.
"Vigilance is necessary, but the risk of terrorist activity is a global phenomenon and is not limited to the region," it is characteristically noted.
Finally, the letter of the Board of Directors of the British Cypriots calls on the British government to urgently examine the issue, requesting a revision of the directives where necessary.
The British Cypriot Council is an organisation that promotes Cypriot interests in the decision-making centres of London and the deepening of bilateral relations. From time to time, he has addressed letters to high-ranking officials of the British government, such as British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and other international actors involved in the solution of the Cyprus problem, such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The letter is signed by: Doros Partasidis, Marie Nicholsby, Antonis Savvidis, Spyros Neophytou, Spyros Papacharalambous, Dr. Elias Dinenis, Pantelis Demosthenous, John Stergidis.
RES-EAP
