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SPECIAL ISSUES - ANALYSES
Miro exhibition in Cyprus - Queen of Spain
Nanotechnology in Cyprus
Italian Ambassador to Cyprus – Interview
Ambassador of Bulgaria - Interview
Spain - EU Presidency
A Fund of Goodwill - the Northern Ireland experience - Cyprus
German Ambassador - Berlin Wall - Interview
EIB extends funding in Cyprus to cooperative bank
Cyprus Turtle Conservation Project increases turtle population
Huge benefits from Cyprus' accession to CERN, Professor says
Cyprus Church launches protest campaign for occupied sites
Miro exhibition in Cyprus - Queen of Spain
 An important exhibition with works of Spanish Catalan painter Joan Miro will be inaugurated Wednesday in Nicosia in the presence of her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain.
President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias will also attend the opening.
The exhibition, with the title “Miro of Majorca” will last until 30 May 2010 and will take place at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center.
It will showcase more than 200 works and testimonies by Joan Miro, including paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings and sketches for sculptures, public art, ballet and music.
The exhibition is co-organised by the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, the Pierides Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Culture-Cultural Services, the Pilar i Joan Mirü Foundation of Majorca, and the Teloglio Foundation of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in collaboration with the Spanish Government, the State
Corporation for Spanish Cultural Action Abroad and the support of the Cyprus Tourism
Organisation.
This is the first time that an exhibition of such magnitude focusing on the work of a great artist is organised in Cyprus.
 This prominent exhibition is organised in the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union and the Spanish Government dedicates the event to the 50th Anniversary of the Cyprus Republic.
In statements to CNA, Mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou said that the visit of her Majesty the Queen of Spain is of special importance, since it concurs at a time when Spain holds the EU Presidency and the Republic of Cyprus celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation.
“On the occasion of this important exhibition we honor both events which are significant for both countries and the EU as a whole”, she said.
Referring to the visit of Queen Sophia, the Nicosia Mayor said she would visit places of special interest in the capital as well as archaeological sites outside Nicosia.
Asked how the municipal authority will stress the fact that Nicosia is the only divided capital in Europe, Mavrou recalled that the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center, that will host the exhibition, “is a symbolic place, a cultural place, just a few meters away from the buffer zone, in an area, where the state makes huge efforts to revitalize.
“In that case, I believe, images themselves will illustrate the political problem of Cyprus, as well as other visits of the Queen and the information she will receive”, she went on to add.
 In his statements to CNA, Director of the Municipal Arts Center of Nicosia and the Pierides Foundation, Yiannis Toumazis, described the Miro exhibition as extremely important for a series of reasons.
“For the first time an exhibition of such a magnitude is being presented in Cyprus, a very analytical one of such an important artist”, he explained.
Toumazis said that the public in Cyprus will have the opportunity to learn about Miro’s work, which otherwise they admire in museums abroad.
“They will also have the chance to learn about the work of the mature Miro artist, in Majorca, through his work during the last 20 years of his life, which he passed there”, he went on to add.
The Municipal Arts Center Director noted that the great interest shown for the exhibition, before even opening it, proves the significance of organizing great exhibitions of important artists in Cyprus.
The Queen of Spain, he said, is known for being votary of arts and high protector of arts.
 He expressed the conviction that the presence of the Queen of Spain at the exhibition will attach importance and offer prestige to the event.
Toumazis expressed the wish that the Miro exhibition constitutes the beginning of similar events in the future.
A variety of events, such as educational programs, seminars and guided tours will be organised during the exhibition.
Joan Miro i Ferra (April 20, 1893 – December 25, 1983) was a Spanish Catalan painter, sculptor, and ceramist born in Barcelona.
Earning international acclaim, his work has been interpreted as Surrealism, a sandbox for the subconscious mind, a re-creation of the childlike, and a manifestation of Catalan pride.
In numerous interviews dating from the 1930s onwards, Miro expressed contempt for conventional painting methods as a way of supporting bourgeois society, and famously declared an ''assassination of painting'' in favor of upsetting the visual elements of established painting.
CNA/AAG/AAR/GCH 2010
Nanotechnology in Cyprus
Nanotechnology, a relatively new scientific term, is applied in many fields, like medicine, pharmacology, industry, the environment, mobility, sports, astronomy, computers, energy, public health, innovation and transport.
In Cyprus, the “Hefaistos” Nanotechnology Research Unit at the University of Cyprus, under Professor Dr Charalambos Doumanidis, is conducting nanotechnology research in many areas, including replacement medicine and therapy of intestine cancer and thalassemia, as well as for the administration of chemotherapy drugs with nanorobots for the therapy of breast cancer.
 In an interview with CNA, Professor Dr Charalambos Doumanidis talked about nanotechnology, its importance for humanity, its future applications as well as about the work carried out at the ‘Hefaistos’ Unit.
Nanotechnology was born through the development of our ability to research and work in small scales.
Etymologically speaking, ‘nanotechnology’ derives from the Greek words ‘nanos’ (midget) and technology. It studies the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
One nano-meter (one billionth of meter) is the length of a
small molecule. At this level, matter exhibits different and often amazing properties and the borders between established scientific and technical disciplines fade. Hence the strong interdisciplinary character that is associated with nanotechnology.
In his interview with CNA, Professor Doumanidis said that nanotechnology is already applied in many areas including cosmetic industry (for anti-aging ingredients, which reach the deep layers of skin), medicine, pharmacology, sports (such as in tennis rackets and golf-clubs), aerospace, dentistry, auto-industry and the protection of the environment.
Professor Dr Doumanidis said that a great number of new applications of nanotechnology is now under research.
''The bright new technologies for sustainable solar and thermal energy, which could cover the needs of humanity and the environment, are based on the abilities of nanocosmos”, he added.
 Referring to the ‘Hefaistos’ Nanotechnology Research Unit at the University of Cyprus, he said it focuses on integrating and packaging nano-devices and micro-systems, to be applied in various areas.
“Hefaistos” has attracted important research projects from EU programs, such as the Marie Curie Chair for research that would be for the benefit of the Cyprus plastic industry and renewable energy sources.
The Professor added that it also carries out projects of the Interreg Program for the development of artificial tissue with nanofibre, for replacement medicine and therapy of intestine cancer and thalassemia.
In his interview with CNA, he said that ‘Hefaistos’ conducts research in the framework of a European program for the administration of chemotherapy drugs with nanorobots for the therapy of breast cancer.
Products based on nanotechnology are already in use and analysts expect markets to grow by hundreds of billions of euro during this decade.
Nanotechnology could in the future change our daily lives. For example, service at coffee-shops and restaurants will be very quick, since we will be able to type our order into the electronic menu thus informing the kitchen. The bill will be paid simply by pressing a cash card against the euro symbol printed on the corner of the menu.
 Coins, will still be used for tips, but will be hygienically coated with antibacterial nanoparticles.
Nanotechnology research focuses also on solar aircraft, on scratchproof windscreens, on gold nanoparticle catalysts which are currently being tested as odour-preventers and on medication, which could be delivered in high doses direct to the source of the illness, without placing any stress on the rest of the organism and minimizing side-effects.
Research also focuses on directing magnetic nanoscale particles to cancer sources, which are then warmed up by an alternating electromagnetic field and destroy the tumor.
Electrically assisted bicycles, will in the future help elderly people into the saddle who otherwise might have some difficulty.
These are just some examples of the many opportunities, which nanocosmos could offer us in the future.
CNA/AAR/GCH 2010
Italian Ambassador to Cyprus – Interview
 Italy believes that Turkey is a major player in a solution to the Cyprus problem and that it must join the European Union, provided it adheres to EU values and principles and implements the Ankara Protocol.
In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, Italian Ambassador in Nicosia Alfredo Bastianelli said his country admires the determination of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias to bring about a solution to the longstanding division of the island.
The Ambassador, who is new in his post here, said he is comfortable and feels at home but regrets he does not speak Greek.
During his tenure, he will foster building stronger cultural relations and putting into effect the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, signed between the two countries in an effort to promote investment.
He praised the beauty of the island but criticized the high prices that led Cyprus to be named an expensive holiday destination.
Bastianelli expressed the view that Mediterranean countries should tackle immigration issues in cooperation and coordination within the EU and create a common strategy to convince the other member states, which might be less exposed to create a European common approach.
In his interview, Bastianelli praised the special links that his government maintains with the Republic of Cyprus and expressed admiration for the determination of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias to find a settlement.
''We are very good friends with the Turkish government, as well as very good friends of the Cyprus government. Cyprus has a longstanding problem and now is the moment to solve it. Italy sees with pleasure and favour the negotiations that are taking place. We strongly support the President of the Republic's acts of courage and determination'', he said.
“We are hoping his determination will lead to a solution that will be accepted by all Cypriots and is Italy’s impression that until we don’t see a definite agreement it would be too early to criticize what are the results. An agreement, usually, especially as complex as this is divided into many aspects”, he remarked, adding that he considers Turkey to be a major player in a solution.
He noted that Italy is a NATO ally with Turkey and the Italian government is also an EU partner with Cyprus.
The Italian Ambassador said ''we do regard Turkey as a major player because of the invasion that has been provoked...you can discuss why there has been an invasion but technically there has been an invasion, for there is the Turkish army that is there, so Turkey is a major player in this aspect”.
He said his country has in the past and continues to have all the intention to talk to Turkey and convince Turkey to find a solution. ''Both my President and the Prime Minister of Italy have many talks with the leaders of Turkey and of course the first part of these talks was about the necessity for the implementation of the Ankara Protocol. Very recently the President of the Republic made it clear that Italy considers it absolutely necessary to implement the Ankara Protocol.
“We do regard very important as Cyprus does, the addition of Turkey into the EU. But of course if you want to adhere to our community, if you want to join the EU, you have to fulfill the Union’s obligations. And one of the first is to fulfill the agreements that we have signed to join this. We are very strong in insisting on this implementation of the protocol. And in many respects, we spoke about it with the Turkish authorities”, said Bastianelli.
In his interview, the Ambassador said he does not feel tremendous difference between living here and living in Italy. “I feel at home. I have a deep regret that I don’t speak Greek, and since you have many Italian words in the Greek language”.
 Bastianelli said there are many similarities between the two cultures and languages, noting that there are nine thousand young fellows studying Italian in Cypriot schools and Italian is the second language chosen after English in Cyprus. At the same time, there are many politicians who speak Italian while many people know Italian.
«You don’t learn a language that is not so widely spoken unless there is a desire. And usually some cultural desire links you to that place, then between Cyprus and Italy there are plenty of reasons, historical, many contacts», the Ambassador said.
Asked how he would develop bilateral relations, Bastianelli said “I think that Italy and Cyprus share so many things. They have this kind of civilization heritage, a kind of trust that both countries have to keep and maintain. They met again at the time of the Roman Empire. They met again at the time of the Crusades and when the first Genovese and Venetian merchants arrived. They met again at the time of the Queen Kornaro and the time of the Venetians. In Larnaca they remained until the 18th century. Picking here and there, in this long history of relations and enhancing the knowledge of this, in a way we foster the sympathy that exists between the two countries”, he said.
Once the cultural part has been developed as much as possible, there are in Cyprus archaeological missions and possibilities of exhibitions, the Ambassador said. The Venetian Walls in Cyprus are similar to many walls in Italy because they were made by the same school of architects in Italy. “Enhancing this knowledge of common cultural heritage will favour the understanding of Cypriots”, said Bastianelli.
As far as trade is concerned, the Italian Ambassador said Italy is the second exporter in Cyprus after Greece. The main exports are food, equipment, construction, machinery and garments. “I could say that what was France in the past now is Italy”, Bastianelli remarked.
Cars are also included in the list of export products from Italy. “You can’t imagine how many Ferraris are in Cyprus. Cyprus is also a very interesting place for not only the local market. It is very wealthy, despite the crisis, yet a very limited market. Because the size of the population is limited. In Rome it is three million people. That has to be considered. This limited amount of population is in general a very medium high level of population as far as spending capacity but Cyprus is also a very important point for strategic point for Middle East penetration. In the past, Cyprus was a strategic point for other kind of investments”.
In this framework, said the Italian Ambassador, it is very important to conclude the agreements to avoid double taxation that have been signed but not yet ratified in order to make the agreement fully operational. This process is on the way, he said, adding that he has “spoken to the Minister of Finance in Italy and here and it seems we are on the way to do it”.
“It is very important to do so, Cypriot enterprises are looking with interest to what Italy is doing. Balanced trade should be both ways. At the moment Cypriot trade to Italy is very limited but it seems there is growing interest and just at the beginning of next month there will be two important manifestations, one organized by Italy and the second organized by Cyprus, both in Italy, one in the framework of the Mediterranean initiative and groups of many other countries to which Cypriot enterprises will participate and the other one requested by Cypriot enterprises to make a presentation in Italy,” he explained.
A third sector that can be fostered, Bastianelli, said is tourism. “There is tourism to Italy (from Cyprus) that can be of course improved. Italy is very easy destination. The conditions are very similar. They can find similar conditions and atmosphere in Italy with different scenarios that are appealing to people accustomed to the beauty of antiquity”, he said.
However, “it is very important to attract Italians to Cyprus. That is something that should be done and of course and your hotel authorities are concerned”.
 The Italian Ambassador notes that “Cyprus seems to be an ideal destination but the tourist industry needs some adjustment” on the island. He believes that the tourist industry was attracted by cheap, easy earnings and did not make investments. At the same time, it raised the prices. “Sometimes in Nicosia and in major centres for tourism, restaurants are maybe too expensive compare to what the usual market prices are. So Cyprus became somehow an expensive destination. I think it is a problem that the authorities are aware of. And the sector has become aware after the crisis provoked a quite dramatic decrease in prices”, he added.
“You have to consider that there are many other places around that are nice so this is a sector that needs attention but I hope that they can find solutions and once they are found, I hope more Italians can come and visit Cyprus and find the same atmosphere I found when I arrived”, he said.
Asked about the issue of illegal immigration which Italy and the Republic of Cyprus are facing, being in the Mediterranean, Bastianelli said “I think that considering the trend in the EU and considering the need to unify as much as possible this single market and the freedom of movement and the fact that Italy is in the Schengen Agreement, immigration, and not illegal immigration should be tackled in a European common way”.
Bastianelli said “I think countries with borders like Cyprus and Italy, Malta should work as closely as possible in cooperation and coordination to create a common strategy, to convince the other member states, which might be less exposed to create a European common approach”.
“In the past, most of the time, illegal immigration to Italy was coming from the north shores of Africa. Recently, after certain bilateral agreements that the government made with states from the northern part of Africa, this illegal immigration decreased dramatically. Figures this year have decreased compared to last year’s. Mainly it was from the north of Africa. Some of these illegal immigrants are possible refugees, but one has to be careful and not to generalise. For sure, immigration should be controlled in a European framework”, he added.
Concluding, Bastianelli said “I want to leave you with a wish. I served in Mozambique and after a while peace arrived. I served in Angola and peace arrived. I didn’t do anything, I just brought luck. I hope that in this occasion it will be the same”.
The Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU in May 2004. Turkey, which aspires to become a full EU member state, invaded Cyprus in 1974 and still holds 37% of Cyprus' territory.
Turkey is the only country in the world which refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus and does not meet its EU obligations, one of which is the opening of its ports and airports to Cypriot ship and vessel.
CNA/EC/MM/2010
Ambassador of Bulgaria - Interview
 Bulgaria supports a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the relevant UNSC Resolutions, the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979 and the European fundamental values, stressed the Bulgarian Ambassador to Cyprus, Vesselin Valchev, in an interview with CNA.
Recalling a statement by President of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov during his visit to Cyprus in October 2009, the Ambassador said that Bulgaria supports the new initiative of the President of Cyprus Republic, Demetris Christofias for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single international personality.
“We believe that the differences in the positions between the two communities can be solved only by direct negotiations, without time frames and outside interference,” he told CNA.
The role of the European Union is crucial in this respect, he underlined, noting that after Cyprus joined the Union in May 2004, the EU role in finding a solution in accordance with the European acquis and in the context of the common European Foreign and Security Policy, especially after the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, has been enhanced.
Asked about EU – Turkey access negotiation process, Valchev said that Bulgaria strongly supports this process to be evaluated according to the implementation of the relevant membership criteria.
“This position of ours goes in line with the prescriptions of the enlargement package, stating that the negotiation process should progress according to the pace of reforms,” he said.
As a member country of the EU, Bulgaria will contribute to the Union’s obligations towards enlargement, he said, stressing that his country supports the enlargement policy of the EU with the states of the Western Balkans and Turkey.
“Turkey should advance in the negotiation process in accordance with the achieved progress in fulfilling the membership criteria. We sincerely hope that in the nearest future Cyprus and Turkey will establish friendly relations. This is of paramount importance not only for the two countries but for the region and Europe as a whole,” the Ambassador stressed.
The ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, he said, is of special importance for countries as Cyprus and Bulgaria, as it provides real opportunities for two countries, together with the other member states, to coordinate and launch common policies for the burning global problems which confront the EU, such as climate change, threat of piracy, humanitarian problems in Africa, humanitarian aid, crises management, to mention just a few.
“We believe that we shall have your support in our efforts to become a member of Shengen area and the Economic and Monetary Union of EU,” he said.
 He recalled also that during the visit of President Parvanov to Cyprus the two countries signed a Joint Declaration on bilateral relations. “We think it constitutes a solid basis for expanding our coordination and cooperation on issues of mutual interest on European level. These issues could be a matter of discussion in the future political consultations in the framework of the Protocol for Intensive Cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, signed in 2008”.
On the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Bulgaria this year, the head of the diplomatic representation of Sofia in Nicosia stressed that this year is of paramount importance for their bilateral relations because “we celebrate 50 years Republic of Cyprus and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Cyprus”.
Bulgaria was one of the first countries which recognised in October 1960 the independence of Cyprus, he said, adding that the relations of the two countries passed through different periods but they were always based on common shared principles.
“After the tragic events in 1974, Bulgaria granted hospitality and work to several thousand Cypriot refugees who lived and worked in Bulgaria”. The Ambassador noted also that after Bulgaria joined the European Union, a new period started in bilateral relations, especially in the area of economic cooperation, joint investment and exchange of labour force.
“In 2007 the Cypriot government opened its labour market to the Bulgarians and today our community is enjoying the Cypriot hospitality. We appreciate this decision very much”, he said.
Making a special reference to economic and commercial cooperation, Valchev stressed that despite the negative repercussion of the global financial and economic crisis, the level of economic and trade cooperation has gained momentum after the two countries joined the EU.
“Nevertheless, we consider that there is still room for enlargement of the cooperation in all fields. It is obvious that both countries feel the impact of the economic crisis but we think this provides new challenges and opportunities,” he added.
He said that Cyprus has good historical experience in trade and finance with Middle Eastern countries and especially with those in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean. “This fact, compiled with the good level of the Cypriot-Bulgarian relations, provides new opportunities for joint access to third markets,” he said.
Bulgaria’s main priorities in bilateral relations with Cyprus are cooperation in the EU, increasing trade and tourist exchanges, attracting Cypriot investment, direct cooperation between the relevant ministries of the both countries and cultural and educational exchanges, he added.
“Last but not least it is worth mentioning that today Bulgaria sustains a good economic shape and remains a good place for investment”, he noted.
Answering a question about the energy market, the Ambassador said that Bulgaria plays an active role in the development of the energy sector in South East Europe and stressed the necessity of a common energy policy today in the frame of the EU.
“It should aim at diversifying the supply, with regard to its safety and environmental protection. Drawing on lessons from the gas supply crisis one year ago, requires a reconsideration of the European approach towards energy security,” he pointed out.
The construction of important trans-border infrastructure projects through the territory of Bulgaria would help implement this new policy, he believes.
He noted that Bulgaria is actively involved in the implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan and considers that it should contribute to the sustainable development of the infrastructure needed for the effective functioning of the Internal Energy Market.
“Furthermore, Bulgaria supports the efforts of Cyprus for entry to the European energy market because we believe this will tend to the diversification of the energy sources of the European Union,” he told CNA.
There is a good basis for enlarging bilateral cooperation in the energy industry, he added, stressing that “we may assist you with education and training of experts and specialists by professionals from our energy sector in which we have long experience, knowledge and expertise. Common goals can be achieved with common efforts”.
The Bulgarian Ambassador conveyed his best regards on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Republic of Cyprus and wished prosperity and realization of endeavors of the country and its people.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks are underway to find a negotiated settlement that would reunite the country.
CNA/RP/MM/2010
Ambassador of Spain Juan Jose Urtasun, whose country will be the first to assume the EU rotating presidency in the trio with Belgium and Hungary, presented Spain's priorities on Thursday, with special emphasis on tackling the financial crisis, managing the results of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, and implementing the Lisbon Treaty.
Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia, Urtasun said the trio presidency would ensure continuity, which ''fits in very well with the spirit of the Lisbon Treaty,'' adding that ''this trio will be followed by another trio, in which Cyprus will be present, Poland and Denmark.''
''It would be wonderful if by that time and even earlier you manage to have success in your negotiations'' for a solution of the Cyprus problem, he said, and wished ''the best of luck'' and assured that ''we are ready to support you.''
Urtasun referred to the challenges ahead, especially the economic and financial crisis, the need to manage the results of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the updating of the transatlantic agenda, the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, a new European Parliament and a new European Commission.
The priorities of the Spanish presidency are achieving economic recovery while promoting a model of sustainable growth, capable of creating more and better jobs, bringing European citizenship a step further in the 21st century, with particular consideration of equality between women and men, driving Europe forward as a global actor, the defence of human rights and the eradication of poverty in the world, and the effective application of the Lisbon Treaty and the corresponding political and institutional renewal.
Regarding the financial crisis, Urtasun said efforts would be made to make the new European system of financial supervision operational, in negotiation with the European Parliament. He also referred to strengthening the infrastructure of capital markets, strengthening the framework of ''prudential regulation'' through the capital requirements Directive, the stepping up of financial services in the Single European Market, especially the hedge funds regulations, the introduction of anti-cyclical measures in regulations, and international collaboration to develop a new international financial order under the principles of transparency, sound banking, responsibility and integrity.
 On the real economy, he referred to launching a new EU strategy on growth and employment for the period 2010-2020, with special emphasis on the creation of a model of sustainable growth, based on the knowledge economy, respect for the environment and social progress, as well as continuing work on fiscal and financial exit strategies, within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact.
Furthermore, he mentioned strengthening competitiveness, creating better jobs and preserving social Europe, as well as adopting a new Action Plan on Energy for the 2010-2014 period, a framework for all EU policy decisions on energy in the immediate future, with special consideration of the common measures to be adopted on climate change through the application of the Copenhagen agreements.
Referring to the concept of European citizenship, Urtasun said it is based on the principles of equality, security and solidarity. He noted equality refers especially to equality between men and women, security will be defined by the Internal Security Strategy as described by the Stockholm Programme in the area of freedom, security and justice, and solidarity must be both internal and external, and along this line, the Spanish presidency will execute and evaluate the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum.
In the field of consolidating a strong and advanced statute for European citizens, Urtasun referred to the fight against gender violence and child abuse, the development of the European Citizens' Initiative, and the European year for combating poverty and social exclusion.
He also pointed out the significance of the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, and the promotion of the EU's accession to the European Convention of Human Rights.
On the role of the EU, the Spanish presidency will focus on foreign relations, EU enlargement, development cooperation and humanitarian aid, and the European Security and Defence Policy.
Concerning foreign relations, Urtasun said there will be a very dense RELEX agenda, which includes nine summits, mainly with America, the Mediterranean and Asia, and other high level gatherings with Africa, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), the Gulf region and the Eastern Neighbourhood.
There will be a second summit of heads of state and government of the Union for the Mediterranean, the first EU-Morocco summit, and association councils with important partners, such as Egypt, Israel, Algeria, Tunisia and Lebanon.
Furthermore, there will be summits with important partners such as Japan and Russia, and a summit with Pakistan, and Spain and the EU will remain firm in their defence of a solution in the Near East based on international legality and mutual agreement between the parties.
On EU enlargement, Urtasun said negotiations will continue with Turkey and Croatia, and negotiations ''might begin'' with FYROM.
Furthermore, the Spanish presidency will follow developments in the request for membership of Montenegro, Iceland and Albania, and will continue to support and encourage the European perspective of other Western Balkan countries.
Regarding development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Urtasun referred to the European year for combating poverty and social exclusion, fostering the Millennium Development Goals with particular emphasis on food security, global health and gender, improving the financing for development by delivering on EU commitments and mobilising domestic resources through good fiscal governance for development, and increasing aid effectiveness and division of labour.
He added that Spain will pursue the strengthening and improvement of humanitarian aid coordination, while effectively addressing the humanitarian challenges that occur during Spain's semester.
On the European Security and Defence Policy, he referred to the development of EU civil and military capacities, with special attention to fostering the work of the European Defence Agency, and the consolidation and intensification of EU cooperation on the subject of crisis management with the UN, as well as with organisations such as NATO, OSCE and the African Union.
Referring to Lisbon Treaty changes, Urtasun noted the development of the EU ''solidarity'' and ''general interest'' clauses, the binding nature of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the single legal personality of the EU and the disappearance of the three-pillar system, the creation and implementation of the EU European External Action Service, new institutions such as the permanent president of the European Council and the new High Representative who also holds the post of Vice President of the Commission, a strengthened Parliament, the watchdog function of national parliaments according to the subsidiary principle, and new competences granted to the EU.
Urtasun said the Spanish presidency's priorities and objectives will be informed by two main governing principles, namely the development of innovation in all its facets and the defence and promotion of equality.
The special accents of Belgium, which will be holding the presidency for the second semester of 2010, include a follow-up and continuation of the trio priorities, the organisation of an ASEM8 conference in Brussels, and the preparation of the EU-Africa summit in Tripoli.
Hungary's special accents, for the first semester of 2011, include the European perspective of the Western Balkans, the Danube strategy, the European Neighbourhood Policy, the deepening and further enlargement of the Schengen area, and the sustainable use of natural resources with an even more integrated water policy.
Also present at the press conference were Ambassador of Belgium Guy Sevrin, Ambassador of Hungary Csaba Lovro, Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus Androulla Kaminara, and Head of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus Tasos Georgiou.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
CNA/RG/GV/2010
A Fund of Goodwill - the Northern Ireland experience - Cyprus
Community engagement in a peace effort, political leadership, tangible results as the process progresses and economic development are pivotal to any peace process, if this is to succeed, Denis Roonie, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, believes.
Roonie, who comes from Northern Ireland, also believes that those involved in a peace process – at any level – must have the necessary patience to tackle adversity and setbacks.
He said initially the Fund had to deal with suspicion, doubt and distrust from the people it had sought to engage in the peace effort for various reasons but also because many believed this was a question of “throwing money” at them in an attempt to make them change their political beliefs. This, in turn, changed with a lot of hard work and tangible results people could relate to, he explained.
Roonie believes that contact between the people, communities, civil servants and on every level is a very useful tool in a peace process.
In resolving a long-standing conflict, Roonie advocates “exploitation” of international interest, when this is displayed, to engage the international community in the peace process. He believes that the political leadership looks to the community for signs of trust which can be translated into action towards a settlement.
Reconciliation and peace do not come easy, people have to work very hard towards these goals and should indicate their desire to achieve them, he points out in an interview with the CNA, during his recent visit to the island to participate in a seminar, organized by the Reconstruction and Resettlement Council in Cyprus, on “Financing the Reunification and Reconstruction – European policy – the examples of Ireland and Germany”.
In the interview on the work of the Fund and its contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland, Roonie also said that as of next year the Fund will not seek additional funding, noting that this decision reflects the initial intention that the Fund would be an initiative and not an institution which would last for ever.
The one-day seminar aimed at imparting the experience of people from both countries about securing enough funds to reunify their infrastructure, services and development of their countries. Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, has only recently acquired a RRC, presided by architect Nikos Mesaritis. A peace effort on the political level has been underway in earnest following the election to the presidency of President Demetris Christofias, in February 2008, who is engaged in talks with the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Mehmet Ali Talat. Talks take place under the auspices of the UN and the two leaders are assisted by their respective top aides, in addition to several committees who worked to prepare the ground for the direct talks, which cover many core aspects of the Cyprus question, including security, property, the economy, governance, guarantees, the EU and the plight of the illegal Turkish settlers.
Asked about his expertise, the problems he had encountered and how these could relate to Cyprus, Roonie noted there are many parallels between Ireland and Cyprus, pointing out that “no two situations are the same”.
“The system we developed would be of interest and relevant, our experience would be of assistance as there are many similarities with Cyprus. Our organisation was unique, the creation of a completely new model, which initially was not welcomed at all, was seen with a lot of suspicion, part of the community felt it was an attempt to induce or even seduce them to change their political viewpoint by throwing money at them,” he said.
The Fund, he said, was very strong and independent and through time and through creating programmes it gained the trust of the community.
“Twenty-three years on, I believe the Fund is absolutely trusted by the community and it has played a very important part in underpinning the peace process. While you have to have progress at a high political level, if the community has not been engaged and has not been active in that process, it is very very hard to get that successful political leadership,” he pointed out.
The Fund worked deeply at community level, provided economic projects in areas of deprivation, provided investment, brought together many young children who had no contact with the other community and all that activity, which was very slow, has probably made the securing of peace much more possible and it has also given the politicians the message that the communities were behind them, he added.
Invited to identify one particular area to which the Fund has contributed most, Roonie replied: “economic activity initially, what we managed to do was to bring the communities together, which other attempts had not managed, we brought sharing educational programmes for the first time ever – teachers, parents and children – we had share neighbourhood housing programme.” He said he did not think that government agencies could have done that work.
Funds initially came mostly from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and then the EU since 1988 – when the Good Friday Agreement was signed - has been a very strong supporter, he said.
Asked about the details of the way they worked, he explained that this was a combination of two tactical moves: the Fund would send its people out to find at first volunteers to join the various projects but also people would actually show an interest in the Fund to get involved.
“The housing estates had shown attempts to end the conflict, they needed to demonstrate some desire, we collaborated with the Northern Ireland Housing Estate, there was at least some potential leadership, we supported that leadership with funding, training and programmes,” he explained.
Asked to explain why it had taken so long to get projects going and people really engaged, Roonie said “this was a very complex problem, the Cyprus problem is complex too, you have to be patient and bring enough of the community with you at all times, communities when they arrive in a position of conflict are always suspicious, this is the first emotion and there is no point in trying to change suspicion in 1 even sometime in 5 years.”
What one has to do is to engage the community in its own project, provide the support to build the capacity to change, he said, adding that “however the community has to want to do it.”
Development agents, who are close to the community, were also used in various project to help the Fund and government agencies have contributed to on terms the Fund had set out, not their own government terms and they did not carry out government policy.
In his interview with CNA, Roonie talked about Cyprus as well, pointing out however that he is no expert on Cyprus and has no intention to be involved in the local political scene.
“I was here 20 years ago, then there was a very strong sense of hurt, now it still exists but not as strong, there has been change,” he noted.
He said the economic aspect seems to be more relevant to Cyprus, whereas social contact and creating opportunities to work together, setting up organisations to continue the work is also helpful.
It is very important to take advantage of international interest, show appreciation and deliver tangible results, as the peace effort continues, he stressed, acknowledging at the same time that there was fatigue on different occasions in the Northern Ireland peace process.
“When you have this interest, you have to exploit it, and it is very important to deliver action on the ground; do not just talk about things, do it, this builds a degree of participation, people get committed to programmes, at first small and then bigger programmes. The political leadership always looks to the community, in Northern Ireland we built the trust of the community which gave more confidence to the political leadership,” he said of his experience.
On the role of the political leadership, in connection with the work of the Fund, he has this to say: “there are points of opportunities which exist in every society, the work of the Fund is to build the capacity to grasp the opportunities.”
Asked about other points which may relate to Cyprus, he said that one important thing is mobility. “When we started there was very little mobility, virtually no cooperation at civil service level and none at the political level between Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Fund created opportunities for contact across the border, between communities, contact is a vital part of change, social, arts, political debate, big and small, economic contact is very easy to initiate and achieve, there is strong motivation in this.”
Referring to future plans for the Fund, he said “we said 5 years ago we will not seek funding after 2010, our work is still important and somebody will have to do it, the peace agreement is only the opportunity to deal with the symptoms of conflict, we decided this because we felt this was true to the initial intention, we wanted this Fund to be an initiative not an institution for ever.”
“There is no way this (whole effort in Northern Ireland) can be lost, but there is always a danger in society which accepts benign segregation, you can never rest on your laurels,” he concluded.
The International Fund fo Ireland was set up in 1986 by the British and the Irish governments, following the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, as in independent organisation. It has received contributions of more than 600 million pounds sterling over a period of 21 years to help promote economic and social advances in the island of Ireland. More thatn 5,500 projects have been funded so far.
CNA MM/GCH/2009
German Ambassador - Berlin Wall - Interview
 Germany strongly supports all efforts leading to the reunification of Cyprus, German Ambassador in Nicosia Dr. Gottfried Zeitz has stressed, noting that Germany does everything to promote peace and reunification in Cyprus.
In an interview with CNA, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, 9th of November 1989, the German Ambassador talked about the events which led to the fall of the wall and as a result to the reunification of Berlin, Germany and Europe.
Dr. Zeitz, who since 2008 serves as the German Ambassador in Nicosia, the world's last divided capital, has stressed that “not only the government but the German people strongly, strongly support all efforts for reunification of your beautiful country”.
“We do everything we can to foster and to promote the process of reunification and peace because we know how it is to be divided”, he continued.
Recalling a famous phrase by Willi Brandt, German Chancellor between 1969 – 1974, who said “Es waechst zusammen, was zusammen gehoert - It grows together what belongs together”, the Ambassador said that the island of Cyprus belongs together too.
 “Germany, East and West belongs together, so here we can hope for the same, because the island belongs together, it must grow together”, he underlined.
The Ambassador also talked to CNA about the events marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. He said that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited all EU heads of state and government, the Presidents of Russia and the US, as well as President of the European Commission and the European Parliament and NATO General Secretary to the events in Berlin.
President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias will also attend the events, which will take place November 9 in the German capital.
Giving a personal note to the interview, CNA asked the German Ambassador how he experienced the day of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
“I was on my way from Bonn, which was the capital then, to my hometown Frankfurt to visit the family. I was in the car. I was crossing the Rhine River when I heard the news and I could not believe it of course, nobody could believe it. It was extremely moving. Very few would have thought that the reunification would come about”, he told CNA.
 Describing the events, which led to the fall of the Berlin Wall as “the first successful peaceful revolution by the people”, he noted that it was “one of the greatest achievements in German history”.
He went on to say that time was ripe for people to regain their human rights and their dignity, since “the division of Germany was inhuman and unnatural”.
“When they wanted to leave their country they risked being shot. The Wall was huge and there were thousands of installations to prevent people from crossing. It was the death strip, the so called ‘Todesstreifen’. Dogs, mines, barbered wire, patrols everywhere”.
He recalled the demonstrations in East Germany, especially in Leipzig, where in October 1989 thousands of people gathered, under the strong support of the St Nicholas’ Church to peacefully protest against the regime, despite fears that the regime would use force against them.
 “The people met in Leipzig. There was great danger that the regime would make use of the Chinese solution, (the Tiananmen Square students' uprising). There was danger that they would be rolled over by tanks. But there was no order to shoot”.
He said the demonstrators were shouting: “We are the people - Wir sind das Volk” and “We are one people - Wir sind ein Volk”.
In West Germany the support was overwhelming. Newspapers were covering the events and prayers were being held.
“The support came not only from West Germany, it came from all over Europe”, Dr Zeitz pointed out.
 The day when the Berlin Wall fell was a day when people “defeated tyranny and suppression”.
“It was the defeat of tyranny and suppression, of unnatural ideology which was totally alien to human history and nature. It was the defeat of an artificial division and was the end of the cold war period in Europe. It was a victory of human rights, it was a day of joy, love and light”.
Less than a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany was reunified.
The Ambassador noted that after China and Russia, Germany has today the highest number of neighboring countries, namely nine. “Each of them is our friend and we are friends with all our neighbors, for the first time in history”.
 The 9th of November is an important day for the history of Germany. In 1918 the Weimar Republic was proclaimed, while in 1938 the first large-scale physical act of anti-Jewish violence, began, the so called Kristallnacht.
CNA/AAR/GP/2009
EIB extends funding in Cyprus to cooperative bank
 The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Cyprus’ Central Cooperative Bank will sign early 2010 a loan agreement aiming to offer cheap and long term loans to the island’s small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), as part of a broader policy to boost liquidity of European SMEs.
Senior Communications Officer of EIB Helen Kavvadia in statements to Greek and Turkish Cypriot journalists, who paid a visit to Brussels last week at the invitation of the European Commission, has said that the preparatory work is already under way.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has already signed 228 million euros loan agreements with Cyprus’ three biggest commercial banks, Bank of Cyprus (BOC), Marfin Popular Bank (MPB) and Hellenic Bank (HB), which will match this amount with equal funding from their own resources. Cooperation with Central Cooperative Bank will be in the form of the agreement already in force with the three commercial banks, Kavvadia said.
The effort regarding the expansion of the cooperation with EIB to cover the Central Cooperative Bank began earlier this year. The latter had to fulfill all the terms and conditions set by the EIB to be given access to cheap EIB loaning in the framework of a similar plan.
Kavvadia said that EIB lending in Cyprus started in 1981 but it increased in volume after the commencement of accession negotiations with the EU in 1996. Total EIB financing in Cyprus in this period amounted to 645 million euros, while some 2 billion euros were given since 1981. In 2010, the amount to be offered will range between 250 and 350 million euros.
Forty nine per cent of total EIB financing in Cyprus, 314 million euros, was for a cleaner environment and an enhanced quality of life. Flagship projects for urban environment infrastructure, notably water and wastewater collection networks have been financed in almost all major cities, including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. Twenty seven per cent of total EIB lending in Cyprus, some 177 million euros, in this period was for priority combined infrastructure investments, such as the development of transport, urban and public service information technology infrastructure.
Another 20% of total EIB financing in Cyprus was in the energy sector, with the construction of new combined-cycle and internal combustion power plants in Vassiliko and Dekeleia, with the amount given reaching 130 million euros. The amount of 32 million went on financing projects in synergy with Cohesion and Structural Funds.
The Bank, Kavvadia noted, works closely with the Cypriot authorities and the European Commission on the programming and implementation of projects supported by the Structural and Cohesion Funds in Cyprus, in order to maximise the impact of its action.
Total EIB financing operations in 2008 reached 57.6 billion euros (+21%, compared with 47.8 billion euros in 2007), of which 51.5 billion were given to EU countries, another 3.4 billion were used to finance projects in accession countries, while lending to non-EU countries reached 2.7 billion euros.
EIB total borrowing reached 59.5 billion euros, while in 2010 is expected to exceed 75 billion euros.
The European Investment Bank was created by the Treaty of Rome in 1958 as the long-term lending bank of the European Union. The task of the Bank is to contribute towards the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the EU Member States. The EIB raises substantial volumes of funds on the capital markets, which it lends on favorable terms to projects furthering EU policy objectives. The EIB continuously adapts its activity to developments in EU policies.
“Now, the EU wants us to do more, so we do more,” Kavadia said referring to the financial crisis the EU countries are facing along with the rest of the world. EIB currently has activities in 180 countries around the world.
CNA/GV/MM/2009
Cyprus Turtle Conservation Project increases turtle population
 The pioneer Cyprus Turtle Conservation Project, set up by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agricultures and Natural Resources and Environment, has given significant results regarding the protection of Cyprus Turtles.
The Green Turtle and the Caretta Caretta are the two species of turtles nesting in Cyprus. Both species are threatened by extinction in the Mediterranean and have been declared as priority species by the European Union.
Myroula Hadjichristophorou Senior Officer of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research told CNA that the Turtle Conservation Project is potentially the most successful in the Mediterranean, since is the only one that marks an increase in the turtle population.
 Green Turtles nest on the coast beaches of Lara/Toxeftra and Caretta in Lara/Toxeftra area but their main nesting beaches are in the Polis/Limni/Lialia area in Chrysochou Bay.
“The last few years an important increase in the number of nests has been observed in both areas. In Lara Loxeftra there are 200 nests from both species of turtles and in Polis/Limni area there are 350 nests only from Caretta Caretta”, Hadjichristophorou said.
She also noted that during 2008 around 30 to 32 thousand little turtles were released. Around 12 thousand Green Turtles and Caretta were released from the protected nests in Lara/Toxeftra and 18 to 20 thousand Caretta turtles from the protected nests in Chrysochous Bay.
 Hadjichristophorou referred to the Cyprus Turtle Conservation Project which was set up by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in 1978, following surveys in 1976 and 1977. “The Department decided to choose the beaches if Lara/Toxeftra, because after the conclusion of the surveys, we found out that a big number of nests were there”, she explained.
The project aims at protecting and managing the important nesting beaches, protecting eggs and hatchlings mainly from foxes and from human activities, protecting adult turtles, monitoring the turtle population and nesting activity in Cyprus, and raising public awareness in turtle conservation.
“When we launched the project in 1978, 80% of the nests were destroyed by foxes”, Hadjichristophorou said noting that public awareness has been increased the last few years.
 Hadjichristophorou said that the Polis/Limni/Lialia area will be included in the EU Programme, Natura 2000. “The area is the most important area for Caretta Caretta Turtles nest”, she pointed out and added: “This year, around 100 Green Turtles and 300 Caretta Caretta mature in Cyprus”
The nests in the Lara/Toxeftra Reserves and in Polis/Limnis are protected with special aluminium cages. Nests located in tourist beaches and mainly Coral Bay in Paphos are moved to the hatchery at Lara. In addition, nests too near the sea are relocated higher up on the same beach.
 Green Turtles mature at the age of 25-30 years and Caretta Caretta when they reach 15-20 years old. Caretta turtles start nesting at the end of May and usually finish by mid August, and Green Turtles start and finish approximately two weeks later. In the season, a turtle may lay 3-5 clutches of round. Caretta lay about 80 eggs in each clutch and Greens about 120. The eggs incubate with the heat of the sun and hatch about 7 weeks later.
Turtle hatchlings are attracted to light, and following their instinct they move towards the lightest spot in their surrounding environment, which they consider as the way to the sea. Artificial light near the beach disorientates the hatchlings that move towards them instead of going to the sea ending up dieing of dehydration.
CNA/TKE/GV/2009
Huge benefits from Cyprus' accession to CERN, Professor says
 Cyprus has submitted an application to become a full member of CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, which is situated in the northwest suburbs of Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border.
The scientific community of Cyprus deems that the benefits from Cyprus’ full CERN membership will be huge, since the know–how and the knowledge of CERN will be applied in various areas in Cyprus as well.
In an interview with CNA, Professor of Physics at the University of Cyprus, Panos Razis, talked about the importance of Cyprus’ membership to CERN, as well as the re-launch of the world famous experiment in CERN, with the first attempt to circulate a beam in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that would offer a series of data for understanding the law of nature right after the Big Bang that created the universe 13.7 billion years ago.
 Thousands of scientists from all over the world participate in the experiment that is to be re-launched in November, among them a team of scientists under Professor Razis.
In his interview with CNA the Cypriot scientist talked about another experiment in which his team participates, which envisages to allow the examination of very distant areas of the universe by using a “neutrinos’ telescope”.
Regarding Cyprus’ application to become a full member of CERN, Razis said the application would be examined in December 2010.
“The importance of Cyprus’ upcoming accession to CERN as full member of the family is huge. Apart from the scientific benefits, one must bear in mind that CERN is the world’s largest research center,” Razis explained.
 He went on to add that “through the physics experiments and other programmes of CERN, in the areas of education and medicine for instance, a large number of Cypriots who are interested in those fields, will be benefited”.
“Moreover, through various international conferences and summer schools organized in CERN, the know–how will eventually pass to Cyprus in many areas of application since physics is the mother and inspiration of all applied sciences”, Razis told CNA.
Founded in 1954, the CERN Laboratory, astride the Franco–Swiss border near Geneva, was one of Europe’s first joint ventures and now has 20 member states.
Regarding the CERN experiment, which is to be restarted this autumn, he said that Cyprus has been actively participating in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments through the High Energy Physics Laboratory of the University of Cyprus.
 He explained that the CERN experiment would address questions such as what gives matter its mass, of what the invisible 96% of the Universe is made, why nature prefers matter to antimatter and how matter evolved from the first instants of the Universe’s existence.
“One other fascinating scenario is to discover that there are more than four dimensions which could explain why gravity is weaker that the other three powers of the universe”, Razis said.
The Cypriot Professor was also asked about an ongoing experiment, with the participation of Cyprus, concerning neutrinos, the elementary particles that often travel close to the speed of light.
 Razis said that for three years now his team has been participating in a European partnership of 24 universities, to create an under sea neutrino telescope of an overall volume of 1-2 cubic kilometers.
“By examining neutrinos we can draw conclusions and study very distant areas in the universe”, he said, adding that distant stars, pulsars or supernovae could be better studied with a neutrino telescope.
CNA/AAR/GV/2009
Cyprus Church launches protest campaign for occupied sites
 The Church of Cyprus is protesting strongly the continuing plundering of religious sites, in the Turkish- occupied northern part of the country, condemning the ongoing desecration of Christian churches, some of which have been converted to mosques, military camps, hen houses, mortuaries or silos.
As experts record the overall looting campaign in the past three decades, since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, with about 550 churches desecrated, between 15-20,000 icons missing, believed to be stolen or sold on the black market, a well orchestrated and concerted effort is underway to protest at all international fora this situation.
 “We have embarked on a crusade to inform world public opinion through every available means - lectures, literary material, personal contacts, diplomatic channels - presenting indisputable evidence which has been corroborated through careful and professional research carried out on the matter,” Charalambos Hotzakoglu, archaeologist by profession and an expert in Byzantine art working for the museum of the Kykko Monastery, has told CNA in an interview.
He said the goal is to save these religious sites, a task vehemently opposed by the Turkish side which claims that all sites now belong to the Moslem religious foundation EVKAF.
Researchers of the Kykko Monastery, who have visited and photographed some 550 churches in occupied Cyprus, say that 50 of them are now military camps - the church of Virgin Mary Axeropiitou in Lambousa village, Agios Panteleimonas in Mirtou village, the church and monastery of Agia Anastasia in Lapithos village is now a luxury hotel complex, the monastery of Agios Panteleimonas is used as a fuel depot and the church of Sotiros in Chrysiliou village in Morphou district now serves as a mortuary.
 “The sight is shocking with bodies lying on the holy altar, it was a hair raising experience for me to have witnessed such practices in a Christian church,” Hotzakoglu said, stressing the need to begin restoring these churches, having established beyond any reasonable doubt and with convincing evidence the scale of the destruction.
Another church, that of Agios Georgios Exorinos in Famagusta is now a theatre and the church of Agios Loukas in Lapithos village has been turned into a dance studio.
“Having all this in mind, it is imperative that we move quickly to restore our churches and to this effect we have already asked the help of experts from abroad, including informing Pope Benedict XVI to whom President Tassos Papadopoulos has given a three-volume publication recording the obliteration of our religious heritage, pointing out at the same time that this matter does not concern Orthodoxy alone but other religious denominations too,” Hotzakoglu told CNA.
 There can be little doubt as to who is responsible for this unscrupulous looting, which is none other than the occupying power Turkey that nurtures aspirations to join the European Union where respect of religious and other human rights is a prerequisite for accession, he points out.
Initial indications from the occupation regime to UN calls to help restore the Christian churches and other religious sites has been “steadfastly negative,” he says with regret.
Responding to questions, he said should restoration work begin, with the consent of the occupation regime, an agreement must be reached to ensure that this project is carried through on the basis of certain principles and safeguards.
 “We have no intention of channeling millions of pounds to the occupied areas towards this goal, only to find out at a later stage that the occupation regime turns round to claim these sites as theirs or to see them used according to their whims,” he added, stressing that the leadership of the Turkish Cypriots must acknowledge the ownership and sovereignty of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, which is an autocephalous church enjoying special privileges other churches in Christian Orthodoxy do not.
The Byzantine experts said that the survey has established that what the regime describes as “well maintained” churches is in fact churches which have been turned into museums, to serve the tourist industry, whereas other churches now used as mosques, Moslem places of worship, are kept in good working order as far as the actual building is concerned.
 On the big issue of illicit art dealing of religious arte facts from the occupied areas, Hotzakoglu said there is a well organized attempt by the Turkish military to remove from churches priceless frescoes and icons, many of which find their way to black markets abroad.
He said once a theft is reported, we have to locate the stolen items and begin a legal battle to prove, if need be, that these belong to the Church of Cyprus and eventually repatriate these items.
Such religious arte facts have been found in the possession of a Turkish illicit art dealer Aydin Dikmen and were eventually located in a Texas museum, which now have to be repartriated.
 Another case concerned the return, after lengthy legal proceedings, of four mosaics from the church of the Virgin Mary tis Kanakarias in the village of Lythrangomi, dating back to 520-530 AD, found in the possession of an American art dealer.
Replying to questions about mosques in the government-controlled areas of the Republic, he said there is a restoration project, drafted on the basis of respect of religious freedom. He pointed out that Ankara has to follow suit and act in a similar manner.
“We are not politicians, we want to resolve this religious issue that concerns the cultural heritage and we are ready to overcome the past. If they feel they belong to this land, as they say they do, they ought to move on through cooperation with us,” he said.
He explained that restoration work can only proceed once archaeological studies are carried out, statistical surveys and plans, including costs.
Hotzakoglu said that one of the problems the researchers team had to face was the absence of a proper list of churches, temples, monasteries, small and big, as they existed prior to the Turkish invasion. A huge effort was undertaken to recover this information, corroborate it and record it, he explained, adding that photographs taken from occupied churches have now been matched with the corresponding church they belong to.
“At present we are working on a multi-language publication, aimed at the public at large and not the specialist expert, outlining the research we have carried out and once this is done then we shall publish a multi-volume publication to include photographic material and all date we have collected relating to this ambitious research,” he concluded.
CNA AAG/MM/GP/2007
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