Joint message between Imamoglou and Bakoyannis to strengthen the cooperation and solidarity of the peoples, which will act as a barrier against aggression and cynical nationalism.
A double joint message was sent today during the inauguration of a park in Istanbul, by the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, and the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglou, under the burden of yesterday’s provocation by the Turkish authorities not to allow the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, to land in Smyrna, where he would chair the ARLEM Euro-Mediterranean conference.
The opening ceremony was covered journalistically by the correspondent of SKAI in Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis.
The joint message of the two mayors was about strengthening the cooperation and solidarity of the peoples which will act as a bulwark against aggression and cynical nationalism.
In his speech, Kostas Bakoyannis noted that it is easy to tear down, but difficult to build, pointing out that cities can act as ambassadors of common values, the reality of citizens and the power of peoples:
“The turbulent times we are experiencing also require it. To the multiple and successive crises, our response cannot be withdrawal and alienation. But interaction and solidarity.[…] This is our response to those who exploit our national sensitivities. Let them hear us from here. Let us be heard from Istanbul. From the crossroads of cultures. Greeks, Turks, Bulgarians, Bosnians, Croats and so many others who could not be with us today. We now join our voices here and send a clear message: No to myopic political opportunism. No to cynical nationalism. No to aggression and warmongering. What unites us is much more than what separates us.”
The two mayors – who in recent years have built a strong “bridge” of cooperation to strengthen Greek-Turkish friendship, in an extremely critical period – referred to the important role of local self-government in strengthening peace and solidarity, stressing that municipalities are the closest democratic institution to society.
“Unnecessary and senseless provocations, such as yesterday’s against our friend and fellow self-governing Regional Governor of Macedonia, are regrettable. But they strengthen our resolve. And let’s swim against the current. Thus, I will be very happy to repay, within the year, the visit of my friend Dimarchos Smyrna to Athens, which I am necessarily postponing now, together with Ekrem Imamoglou” said Mr. Bakoyiannis regarding yesterday’s episode in Smyrna at the expense of Apostolos Tzitzikostas and he added: “Today, we choose to follow a different path. Not that of fear, extremism and discord, but of hope, moderation and unity. We are following the path carved by Eleftherios Venizelos and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, when in 1934, after years of violence and bloodshed, Venizelos proposed that Ataturk be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We choose peace and friendship. Consciously. Clearly”.
For his part, the Mayor of Istanbul chose to comment on yesterday’s event in a special way, saying characteristically that “what saddened my dear friend Kostas, saddened me too”:
“Our esteemed guest, who came for a program organized by the Mayor of Izmir, Mr. Tunc Soyer, unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding and a technical problem, which resulted in him not being given permission (to enter) upset us as well . I hope that the intentions, which are hidden behind this incident and are intended to spoil the relations between the two countries, do not take different steps. Yesterday’s treatment of Mr. Tzitzikosta is unacceptable. I hope the authorities of both countries will not allow such issues to happen again. Because there is a need for friendship, brotherhood and cooperation on both sides of the Aegean. There is an absolute need for peace in the Aegean.”
The presence and public speech of the Mayor of Athens for the first time in an open public space in Istanbul, caused a warm response from those present, who applauded with their attitude the central message of Kostas Bakoyannis on the need to strengthen the ties between the two peoples.
“I am happy to be in Istanbul today. In this wonderful and unique city, whose rich and glorious history makes the hearts of many around the world, especially us Greeks, beat a little faster. […] We mayors fight for cities that are more open, greener, friendlier, fairer, more humane. […] But this is not another park, just as this is not another opening ceremony. We gathered today around the tree of brotherhood, which is a symbol of friendship and solidarity of the Balkan cities.”
The baton in Athens for the B40 Network Summit
Next January, Athens will host the first meeting of the B40 Balkan Cities Network established in November 2021 in Istanbul, with the aim of strengthening peace and democracy in the Balkan region, as well as the cooperation of its members in the fields of economy , innovation, sustainable development and culture.
Yesterday, the Mayors of Athens and Constantinople held a preparatory meeting, during which they discussed the details for holding the first Synod in Athens.
The mayors from the cities of Pula in Croatia, Sarajevo and Laktasi in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sofia, Plovdiv, Svilengrad and Stara Zagora in Bulgaria also participated in the opening of the Park.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
