By John Kaponi

Barnet council formally named one of its newest streets in Mill Hill after the Cypriot town Morphou which the local authority is twinned.  In an event attended by the mayor of Barnet John Marshall and the mayor of Morphou Mr Pittas the event symbolizes the close relationship that Barnet and Morphou have now built over the years and the importance of the London Greek-Cypriot community.

The President of the World Federation of Cypriots Haris Sophoclides lauded the decision by one of London's largest local authorities Barnet to name a road after the illegally Turkish occupied town of Morphou in the ceremony  held on Wednesday 17 September in Mill Hill.  “Barnet has become the home of Cyprus in London” the President of POMAK the World Federation of Cypriots Haris Sophoclides. “Morphou Road is now a reality” mayor of Barnet John Marshall declared.

The Mayor of Barnet John Marshall who said that the occupation of Morphou by Turkish troops was “intolerable” praised the hard work of the Cypriot community which has now three local councilors in Barnet, of which one served as mayor of Barnet councillor Andreas Tambourides and another a candidate for London in the European elections councillor Marina Yannakoudakis.

The spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox church His Eminence Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira spoke of the pride many in the Greek community feel about the hard work done within Barnet to establish “firm foundations and links with Cyprus”.

The Cypriot government was represented by the Consular General Evangelos Savva who described the event as another example of the excellent work undertaken within Barnet to highlight the mutual respect that exists between Cyprus and Britain.

The mayor of Morphou Mr Pittas who traveled with a delegation from Cyprus for the event pledged that Barnet would receive the honour of having a central road within the town named after once the town is freed from Turkish occupation troops.

The Shadow Transport Minister Theresa Villiers, Leader of Barnet Council Mike Freer and Assembly Member Brian Coleman all attended the event showing the importance the Cypriot and Greek community are given within Barnet.

The President of the National Federation of Cypriots Peter Droussiotis did not attend the event and it was confirmed by the mayors office to the London Daily News that an invitation was sent but no response was forthcoming.