A delegation from the Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities attended the 43rd General Assembly of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which is taking place in Strasbourg, France, between 25-27 October.

Güzelyurt Mayor Mahmut Özçınar, who is the Administrative Committee Representative of the Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities and Lefkoşa Mayor Mehmet Harmancı, who is the Current Affairs Committee Representative were accompanied by the General Coordinator of the Union and the International Delegation Secretary Hüseyin Köle.

Topics such as regional identities, the impact of hate speech and fake news on the working conditions of local and regional elected representatives, reports on smart cities and governance approaches for regions based on human rights-based, and acceptance of women and children refugees were discussed at the general assembly.

The war between Ukraine and Russia was also the main agenda item of the General Assembly.

The delegation of the Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities also paid a visit to the TRNC Strasbourg Representative office.

The delegation met with Selda Çimen, who was appointed as the TRNC Strasbourg Representative, and wished her success.

Speaking during the visit Güzelyurt Mayor Mahmut Özçınar stated that they will continue their efforts for the development of Turkish Cypriot local democracy, and said, “We will continue to work to achieve new gains, to make our voice heard and increase our visibility around the world.”