Girne Research Institute which operates under Girne American University have hosted the Mayors of Lefkoşa, Girne and Güzelyurt.

The meeting which was held in Girne American University Cyprus Girne Campus Millennium Building Senate Chancellor’s Office Meeting Room was attended by Mayor of Lefkoşa Mehmet Harmancı, Mayor of Girne Nidai Güngördü and Mayor of Güzelyurt Mahmut Özçınar and was hosted by, on behalf of GRI, GAU CEO and Chair of  Girne Research Institute Board- Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, GRI General Coordinator- Hasan Erçakıca and Members of the Board- Erhan Özkan, Erhan Vechi and Cenk Paşa.

GAU CEO and Chair of Girne Research Institute Board- Assist. Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi has stated that the meeting held with the Majors was very fruitful and that one of the main topics of discussion was about the research on local administrations. Vehbi also stressed at the meeting on which municipalities shall in fact stay as municipalities and the also about the distribution of the population, as well as what ought to be done to institutionalize the municipalities and Vehbi also stressed the ambiguity of authorization amongst the Government, Municipalities and District Governorates and the methods of resolutions and planning for development. Vehbi stressed that they do not commune only with 3 Majors but also other Majors as well and furthermore conduct questionnaires with the public on relevant topics. Vehbi also underlined that they intend to get various ideas from GAU Academicians and other non-governmental organizations thus establishing a common proposals and projects. Vehbi emphasized that GRI will soon report to the public about further development on local administrations in TRNC.

Furthermore Vehbi reported that the Majors have always contributed to GRI and have expressed their appreciations in regards to activities undertaken by the GRI. Majors have also emphasized that the current system and social structure is not sustainable and also stressed that they will support to develop a better system in this respect.