Melbourne’s Greek-Cypriot community has slammed Yarra Council for rejecting a proposal to fly the Republic of Cyprus flag to honour the nation’s 50th year of independence.
Yarra councillors have unanimously rejected the request to raise the flag at the municipality’s town halls, saying they did not want to be seen taking sides on a politically sensitive issue.
Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, but has been the subject of diplomatic tension since Turkey invaded the northern portion of the island in 1974.
But the president of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Harry Tsindos, said Yarra was out of step with municipalities like Stonnington, Port Phillip, Monash and Whitehorse, which agreed to fly the flag last week.
“Maybe Yarra Council is not up to speed with what’s going on when it comes to the Cyprus flag,” Mr Tsindos said. “I am disappointed they have not consulted with us regarding the issue.
“I think their actions are more controversial than raising the actual flag.”
Yarra councillor Geoff Barbour said the council did not want to exacerbate what could be a controversial issue for the local Cypriot community.
“There was very little information given to us in terms of the full diplomatic background to the situation,” Cr Barbour said.
“In that regard it certainly seems to me that we could be inflaming the situation or, on the other hand, supporting one side in a conflict that the City of Yarra has got nothing to do with.”
Spokespeople for Stonnington and Port Phillip councils confirmed to fifYarra Leader that they had raised the flag on their buildings in honour of the anniversary.
Yarra Council chief executive Andi Diamond said it was “unusual” for Yarra to fly the flags of nations other than Australia.
But she said council had raised the flag of North African territory Western Sahara in 2009, following a request from a community group.
“Council receives similar requests from time to time but does not always approve those requests,” Ms Diamond said.
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