Cyprus-Forum.com

[zan]

‘Highway robbery’: Cyprus missing out on EU funds after UK objections
By Jacqueline Theodoulou
TWO MAIN Cypriot highways were excluded from the European Road Network in 2003 due to objections from the United Kingdom.

The excuse used for their objection was that the roads in question – the Nicosia-Larnaca and Larnaca-Famagusta highways – were close to the ceasefire line.

This has resulted in the state’s inability to absorb EU funding to maintain the roads.

The issue came to light during a discussion at the House Communications Committee yesterday over a harmonising bill for the implementation of road tolls for heavy vehicles.

“During discussions over the bill for road tolls, we were told that not all central roads in Cyprus were included in the European Road Network,” Committee Chairman Zacharias Koulias of DIKO said after the meeting. “We realised that two of Cyprus’ main arteries, connecting Nicosia, Larnaca and the free Famagusta area, were excluded because our well-known friends the British put their foot down as the roads are close to the ceasefire line.”

The Committee, he added, has now asked to be informed on what happened during discussions on the matter with the EU in 2003.

“It was the British who objected to these roads being included in the Network and we are well aware of their role in our national issue since 1950,” Koulias fumed. “I hope we will put our foot down and ensure the right thing is done.”

Under the road tolls bill, prepared by the Communications Ministry, heavy vehicle drivers will not have to pay tolls. As AKEL deputy Andreas Fakontis explained, EU states have the right to apply zero tolls, according to the harmonising law.

However, he added that discussions were currently underway on a European level to alter this law, making it obligatory to pay the fee.

Cyprus, said Fakontis, will try to seek an opt-out to this law, especially as there are main roads in Cyprus that haven’t been included in the European Road Network.

“Not all roads are included in the European Road Network so it is hard to get EU funding to maintain these roads,” Fakontis explained. “The government tried to include all roads in the Network during negotiations with the EU in 2003, but it seems it wasn’t possible to include the two highways. The next discussion on the matter will be in 2010, when the government will ask for an alteration.”



Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2008

[Tim Drayton]

The road in question passes through British Sovereign Base territory, does it not?

[CBBB]

Somebody obviously didn't tell the EU.

http://ec.europa.eu/ten/transport/maps/ ... rus_en.pdf

As Tim pointed out the road to Ayia Napa goes through the ESBA, but NIcosia to Larnaca is there.

[Tim Drayton]

Somebody obviously didn't tell the EU.

http://ec.europa.eu/ten/transport/maps/ ... rus_en.pdf

As Tim pointed out the road to Ayia Napa goes through the ESBA, but NIcosia to Larnaca is there.

I think we are actually talking about the road that takes you to Famagusta via the Black Knight crossing; the Xylotymbou turning off the Agia Napa road. I used it a couple of times last week and noticed that on this road cars with Turkish Cypriot registration plates outnumber RoC registered cars by about two to one

[observer]

The excuse used for their objection was that the roads in question – the Nicosia-Larnaca and Larnaca-Famagusta highways – were close to the ceasefire line.

Probably me, but has anyone any idea why should this be a reason for objecting to funding the roads?

[DT.]

The excuse used for their objection was that the roads in question – the Nicosia-Larnaca and Larnaca-Famagusta highways – were close to the ceasefire line.

Probably me, but has anyone any idea why should this be a reason for objecting to funding the roads?

not just you mate...haven't the foggiest.

[humanist]

British Soveirgn Territory ........ you mean stolen territory ........... once British always british I say bloomin thieves........ the worse thing is the British are underhanded whereas the Turks are just barbaric withteir force ..... and before you all get your noses out of jpoint I refer to British rule and Turkish army generls ..... there ya go are you happy

[Oracle]

Maybe the Brits were worried that if these roads were upgraded, they would have to pay tolls for using them with their armoured vehicles. It's the credit crunch and no money in the fiscal MOD purses.

Perhaps Gordon Brown might reconsider the upkeep of these expensive Bases and send them home.

I'm sure the RoC will waive the rent arrears due, in exchange for a speedy departure.

[zan]

and

[Kifeas]

The excuse used for their objection was that the roads in question – the Nicosia-Larnaca and Larnaca-Famagusta highways – were close to the ceasefire line.

Probably me, but has anyone any idea why should this be a reason for objecting to funding the roads?

Because our good old "evil daemon" told them so!