Government to restore all mosques in free areas by 2011
Nicosia, Aug 26 (CNA) --- All 17 mosques, with the exception of Omerieh mosque in Nicosia, while are located in the southern government controlled part of Cyprus, will be restored by the end of 2011, according to the Department of Antiquities.

The Republic of Cyprus has spent over three million euro between 1975 (a year after the Turkish invasion of the island) and 2009 to maintain and restore the 17 mosques, which have been declared ancient monuments.

Cyprus’ long history is reflected in its monuments. A significant part of this history relates to coexistence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and it is mirrored in the Moslem monuments, most of which were Christian churches converted into mosques.

The mosque in the village of Episkopi, near the town of Limassol in south west Cyprus, was the Byzantine church of Agios Georgios. Over the restoration work, the upper parget was removed and Christian paintings were uncovered, with vivid colors. Touzla mosque in Larnaka was a Medieval church while Kebir mosque in Limassol was built above the base of a Byzantine church which was discovered during the work on the sewerage system.

The Republic of Cyprus through the Department of Antiquities tries to keep intact the island’s religious heritage, with respect to monuments and holy sites. Seventeen mosques in the southern government controlled areas of Cyprus have been declared Ancient Monuments, which means that the state and the owner – in this case is the Evkaf - jointly undertake the responsibility to restore and maintain the mosques.

After the Turkish invasion in 1974, mosques passed under the control of the Interior Ministry and the Department of Antiquities undertook the restoration and maintenance work under a special budget. The Curator of Antiquities, Marina Solomidou – Ieronymidou and George Philotheou, Archeological Officer A are in charge of the restoration and maintenance of the Monuments, supervise the work and evaluate the progress made on the 17 Moslem mosques, declared Ancient Monuments.

With the exception of Omerieh mosque in Nicosia, restoration work has finished in 13 out of 17 mosques, while in two this work is in the final stages and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 and 2011.

Omerieh mosque is being used and a political decision needs to be taken to relocate the faithful to another site and thus allow restoration work to start. Out of the 17 mosques, 11 were originally Byzantine churches converted into mosques after the conquest of Cyprus by the Turks in 1571 and 4 out of 17 are being used as places of worship. These are: Hala Sultan Tekke mosque in Larnaca destrict, Kebir mosque in the town of Larnaka, Kebir Mosque in the town of Limassol and Omerieh mosque in Nicosia.

When the need arises, Turkish Cypriots can also use Bayraktar mosque in Nicosia for religious service. Mosques Kebir in Larnaca and Limassol and Omerieh in Nicosia are being granted for use by the Republic to the Moslem community in the government controlled areas.

Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca operates under the responsibility of the Cyprus government which pays for its safe-keeping. During the Razaman period, the government pays the Imam to be available for prayer. Restoration work is currently underway in Kebir mosque in Larnaca town but it is also in full operation.

In an interview with CNA, both officers of the Department of Antiquities have highlighted the archaeological and historical significance of the Christian as well as the Moslem monuments.

Between 1975 and 2009 the government spent 3,195.561 euro for the restoration and maintenance of the 17 mosques declared ancient monuments.

The maintenance of Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca has been carried out through a UN program with American funds in the framework of an agreement for the maintenance of Apostolos Andreas monastery in Turkish occupied Rizokarpazo. Restoration work at the occupied monastery has not progressed.

Peristerona mosque in Morphou will soon been declared ancient monument also according to the criteria of the Antiquities law, Ieronymidou said.

The policy of the Department of Antiquities is to preserve all the historical phases of a monument, Christian, Moslem and others, he added. “The aim is not to eliminate any part of our history, on the contrary, all the phases of the monuments must be visible,” he said.

“It’s an open book. You can see that a mosque was built on top of an old Christian church which may have been located above an ancient tomb. So, someone can read the history of the monument and consequently the history of Cyprus,” he pointed out.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are currently underway between President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Dervis Eroglu to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country.

CNA/RP/MM/2010

Postage stamps narrate the history of Cyprus

Nicosia, Aug 19 (CNA) – Cypriot postage stamps have depicted the Republic’s turbulent history, its beauties and advantages as an island-state in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Τhe country’s first President, important landmarks in its political history, significant milestones in the country’s journey through the past five decades, flora and fauna, the arts, Cypriot culture and traditions have all been illustrated on postage stamps which, during the pre-internet era, acted as Cyprus’ ambassadors to the world, telling everybody that the Republic of Cyprus is an independent state since 1960, a member of the United Nations and since 2004 of the European Union.

The Department of Postal Services has decided to issue a new series of postage stamps that depict aspects of Cypriot history and convey it to the world to mark the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus Post will issue soon a collector's album, entitled “Cyprus through the ages”, which will contain 32 stamps that will reflect on historical moments, as well as present evidence from the millennia-long history of Cyprus.

As Andreas Gregoriou, Director of the Department of Postal Services, puts it in an interview with CNA, the anniversary edition will contain previous stamp series, from 2007 to 2009, as well as a new series, due to be issued on October 1, 2010.

As Gregoriou sits at his desk, he goes through the pages of a heavy stamp album, which contains all the stamps issued since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus to date. As one turns the pages of the 50-year old album, images of personalities and historical snapshots are succeeded by pictures of Cyprus’ natural habitat, its cultural heritage and representations of local traditions.

Inevitably, time periods intertwine and make huge leaps from the contemporary to the past. From the ancient settlements to the modern times and from the Treaty of Sevres to the accession of the island Republic to the European Union in May 2004, Cypriot stamps illuminate moments in time, underline events that left their mark on the country, promote culture, go back to the distant past of the twelve ancient kingdoms and return to modern times, when Cyprus became a member of the European club.

As anticipated, the historical series “Cyprus through the ages” makes a selective reference to events and personalities that have left their mark on the country. The 32 stamps are very few to bear all of the heavy historical account. In any case, as the title indicates, the intention of the series was to reflect on the passage of time, rather than narrate history in scientific terms.

Gregoriou explains that Cyprus Post undertook this effort in 2007. Its aim was to record historical aspects of Cyprus, on stamps depicting watersheds in the development of the island, from the ninth millennium B.C. up until the 21st century.

While conversing with Gregoriou, the discussion focuses on events and people from the past, all having an impact on modern history. We focus on the latest volume of stamps, to be issued in the coming October which will complete the four-year-old historical series. The forthcoming set with its eight stamps highlights the signing of the Treaty of Sevres in 1920 and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, both of which refer to the transition of Cyprus from the Ottoman to the British administration. The set also makes a reference to the October 1931 events, depicting the burned Government House after the uprising of Greek Cypriots who demanded union with Greece.

Moreover, the illustration of the “imprisoned graves” and of Gregoris Afxentiou refer to the EOKA struggle in the mid 1950s against British colonial rule, while the Presidential Palace is presented as a symbol of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. The tragic aftermath of the Turkish invasion is narrated through the reproduction of the painting, titled as “Black summer 1974”, by Cypriot artist Tilemachos Kanthos. Finally, the set also contains a stamp reflecting on the moment of the signing of the Accession Treaty of Cyprus to the EU in April 2003, by former President Tassos Papadopoulos in Athens.

Cyprus Post has already issued two other anniversary stamps since January that contain the coat of arms of the Republic of Cyprus along with a reference to the 50-year anniversary of its establishment. The particular stamps are used in international mail, the Director of the Post Office has told CNA, “for the consolidation and promotion of the symbols of the Republic to the world”.

As Gregoriou explains, there is an intentional distinction amongst domestic and international postage when issuing stamps. Apart from the evidence that the postage has been paid, a stamp serves also as a kind of ambassador of the country which issues it to the world. “Our effort is the 0,34 cent-worth postage, intended for domestic mail, to contain themes related to culture and traditions” Gregoriou notes.

In contrast, international mail postage usually contains symbols of the Republic or depicts archeological treasures that are very characteristic of the island.

“Issuing stamps, since the establishment of the Republic, and especially after the 1974 Turkish invasion, has been an indirect and substantial way for the consolidation and promotion of Cyprus to the world, while using the circulation of mail” Gregoriou goes on.

Taking into account the high turnout of tourist arrivals in Cyprus, with tens of thousands of travelers sending their holiday postcards to their countries of origin, the scope of this intentional distinction in the themes of outgoing postage makes sense. As Gregoriou puts it, these stamps “provide another dimension as to where Cyprus stands”.

Asked to pick up a single stamp which may be representative of the 50-year-long course of Cyprus Post, the Director of the Post Office recalls the symbolism of the “Europa” stamps, issued a long time before Cyprus became a member of the EU. The reason for making this choice is, according to Gregoriou, the fact that the issue of the particular series of stamps, since the establishment of the Republic, “has been an indication of Cyprus’ European orientation”.

The particular stamps are being issued since 1960, due to a commitment of Cyprus Post to the European organization PostEurop, at a time when the project of European integration was still at its initial stage.

It is also interesting to learn how the selection of the themes to be used on postage stamps is made and who actually decides how the stamps are going to look like. Gregoriou explains the process, saying that in the past two years decisions are being taken every September by the Philatelic Advisory Committee. This voluntary body comprises literary people and its role is to examine all recommendations coming from the authorities, individuals as well as other stakeholders. Taking into account existing commitments of the Post Office, the Committee decides on the annual printing programme, striking a balance amongst the various thematic suggestions. In this way, Gregoriou points out, “culture and personalities are highlighted”, and the interest of philatelists is also kept alive.

Apart from that, Cyprus Post has adopted a policy of issuing a limited number of series, as well as keeping the numbers of the stamps issued per series low, in order for Cypriot stamps to become a collector's item in a small period of time. “We are talking about 40-50 thousand stamps per series. This is a careful approach that is being followed precisely to add value to Cypriot stamps” he says.

The modern history of Cyprus, in the way it is presented through the stamps but also through the development of postal services, needs to be adequately presented to the young generation. Gregoriou welcomed the effort that is being made with the promotion of the Postal Museum, as well as with educational programmes that aim to increase the public’s interest, especially that of students.

There is an action plan aiming at various directions, he says, so as to include the Museum among the city’s tourist and educational activities. “Apart from upgrading and enriching the Postal Museum with the addition of new postal objects, the extension of the working hours and an advertising campaign among foreign visitors, there are concerted efforts that are being undertaken aiming at schools” he adds.

For the Director of the Post Office, the promotion of philately may constitute for the young generation a tool of knowledge, with particular interest for children aged between 8 and 14. “We believe that students are set to benefit from this process, as we present them with an activity through which they are going to learn a lot of things” he notes.

According to Gregoriou, seminars are already being organised at schools for many years now, with the approval of the Ministry of Education. At present, though, new ways are being explored to make philately more attractive to children. Gregoriou believes that this may be achieved with the use of new technologies and the help of an instructor who will be exclusively occupied with the presentation at schools. If the Ministry gives the green light to this request, the new initiative is expected to start during the new school year.

CNA/AGK/MM/2010
       

Smithsonian exhibition to mark 50 years of Cyprus’ independence

Nicosia, Aug 6 (CNA) -- A big exhibition under the title “Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations” will be on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in the US capital, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, to highlight Cyprus’ own distinctive history and culture.

The exhibition will be on view from September 29, 2010 until May 1, 2011 and it will feature about 260 items, many of which are being displayed for the first time in the USA, covering nearly 11,000 years of history, from the Cypriot-Archaic through the Venetian period, which range from items from the earliest villages to masterpieces of medieval religious art. The exhibition is expected to be displayed at other US museums and in Canada, which have already expressed an interest in hosting the exhibition.

The formal opening of the exhibition will take place on September 28, by President of Cyprus Republic, Demetris Christofias.

Head of Press and Information Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Androula Lanitis, in an interview with CNA said this effort started in 2008. The exhibition takes place at the initiative of Cyprus’ Ambassador to the US Andreas Kakouris. The proposal to stage the exhibition, part of “cultural diplomacy” to promote Cyprus, was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Minister, the Government Spokesman and President Christofias. The Council of Ministers approved the project at the end of 2008.

Lanitis said that the Smithsonian accepted the proposal to host the exhibition, set to coincide with celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary since Cyprus was declared an independent state, in 1960.

The exhibition will cover the period from antiquity to the end of the Venetian era as there are many important artefacts up until that period. The Ottoman rule of Cyprus does not offer significant archaeological or other items, according to the organisers, and in the period that follows the end of Ottoman rule there are only samples of folkloric art. The exhibition includes archaeological coins from various periods up until the Venetian times.

Staging an exhibition of such calibre is by no means an easy task, it is a huge effort undertaken by various ministries, services and the contribution of the private sector, Lanitis told CNA.

Parallel to the exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum, various events and functions will take place. These, she explained, are divided into separate categories: scientific lectures on Cyprus’ archaeology, lectures on wine since ancient times, on mythology and the goddess of love Aphrodite - who legend has it was born off Cyprus’ western coast – on the first pets people kept, on Sillourokambos, on the Mazotos shipwreck, on the protection of Cyprus’ cultural heritage and on Christianity and Byzantium.

Representatives of the Smithsonian visited Cyprus in October 2009 to inspect all artefacts to be displayed. They showed keen interest in the skeleton of a cat, found near the archaeological site of Sillourokambos, in the sense that they come from a museum of Natural History. The Department of Antiquities will send a copy of the skeleton to the Smithsonian because the skeleton itself cannot be transported. A special lecture will, however, be given on these findings by scientists during the exhibition.

The Smithsonian has incorporated Cyprus in its travel programmes, in line with the normal practice of the museum. The Museum of Natural History, in cooperation with Cyprus, will organise various events and educational programmes to promote the exhibition and Cyprus to the public at large and to children as well.

One of these is the Discovery Station and the Discovery Room activities. The Discovery Station will comprise a mobile cart, placed outside the main exhibition hall, containing copies of certain tools on display at the exhibition. Visitors will have the chance to learn about their use in ancient times – urns, tools used to produce sugar etc.- in addition to being given the chance to participate in various activities related to the exhibition.

The Discovery Room is addressed primarily to children, who will be able to have their questions answered by an expert. Children will also have the chance to try on traditional Cypriot costumes and play Cypriot games, such as skipping rope and marbles.

The items which will go on display have been carefully selected by the curator of the exhibition and the Department of Antiquities, Lanitis said.

“We shall try to take the exhibition on tour until around mid 2012 before Cyprus assumes the six monthly rotating presidency of the European Union,” she added.

The Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural history is the most important of this huge institution and its exhibitions attract thousands of visitors.

“Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations” was made possible by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus, the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation, the Holy Bishopric of Morfou, the Pierides Marfin Bank Museum, the Thalassa Museum of the Municipality of Agia Napa and the National Museum of Natural History. The curator of the exhibition is Sophocles Hadjisavvas, former Director of Cyprus Department of Antiquities.

The Cyprus Tourism Organization and the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, have also contributed towards the success of this exhibition. The CTO has issued a special flyer on Cyprus, to be distributed freely at the exhibition.

A catalogue on the exhibition will be on sale throughout the duration of this remarkable exhibition, which will contain, in addition to the exhibits, articles on various historical periods by renown archaeologists from Cyprus and abroad.

CNA/RP/MM/2010 

Cyprus to host IAPMC conference

Cyprus will host in October this year a conference of the International Association of Peace Messenger Cities (IAPMC), following an invitation by the Municipality of Morphou.

Mayor of Morphou Charalambos Pittas has told CNA that all 100 municipalities, members of the IAPMC, have been invited to participate in the Conference, which will take place 5 and 6 October in the southern coastal town of Limassol. The Conference will be opened by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias.

In statements to CNA, Pittas stressed the importance of hosting the Conference. “It is very important for the municipality of Morphou, a Turkish occupied municipality, to organise this Conference. First of all, our municipality is internationally recognised, but it is not only the recognition that matters, we also actively participate in the Executive Board of the IAPMC”, he said.

The IAPMC, he added, offers a platform where the municipality of Morphou can present the Cyprus problem. “For us, the IAPMC is a forum, an opportunity to explain the problem in Cyprus, where peace has been in tatters for so many years,” Pittas said.

He added that efforts have been made by illegal municipalities in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus for accession to the IAPMC, but Morphou’s participation has prevented such a development.

At the end of the Conference, a resolution will be adopted on peace issues, human rights, as well as on Cyprus.

The agenda of the Conference includes issues, which promote peace among peoples as well as issues on the acceptance of diversity.

Cypriot speakers to the Conference are the Bishop of Morphou, the Attorney General, as well as the Mayor of Nicosia, who will talk about Cyprus’ capital city, the last divided city in Europe.

The IAPMC was established to recognise and encourage the role and responsibility cities have in creating a culture of peace. The Association had its first meeting in Verdun France in 1988. It was formalised at a General Assembly meeting in New Haven, Connecticut, USA in 1990. By laws it was approved in Marrakech, Morocco in 1991.

An organisation was born out of United Nations General Assembly designation as Peace Messengers. It firmly believes that municipal authorities have profound responsibility to assume an active, creative role in establishing a Culture of Peace within their borders.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
CNA/AAR/GV/MM

Agrotourism set to become more popular in coming years

Interest in agrotourism in Cyprus is set to increase in the coming years, thus giving tourists the opportunity to experience a new, alternative way to holidaymaking, according to Evi Panayiotou, of the Cyprus Agrotourism Company.

In an interview with CNA she said that Cypriots and foreigners alike are displaying keen interest in agrotourism which is bound to increase in the future.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation, having considered this new trend of visitors wishing to experience a new, alternative way to holidaymaking, has set in motion a programme of restoration of traditional houses and enhancement of the traditional element in Cyprus villages, within the framework of the philosophy of agrotourism.

The need for better and more organised co-ordination of agrotourism has led to the establishment of the Cyprus Agrotourism Company, a body dealing exclusively with holidays in the Cypriot countryside.

Today, agrotourism is an autonomous, vibrant part of local tourism hosted in traditional lodgings of historical value throughout the island, ready to offer a new, alternative holiday ideal.

In her interview with CNA, Evi Panayiotou said that agrotourism in Cyprus began in the 90s at the initiative of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. An action plan was implemented which offered economic incentives for the restoration of traditional lodgings in Cyprus’ villages aiming at maintaining the old traditional architecture in the countryside. In addition, a plan was implemented giving subsidies to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises for the promotion of alternative economic activities in agrotourism.

Holidaymakers, she added, have the opportunity to choose among 100 lodgings in more than 40 villages in the southern government controlled areas of Cyprus (the island’s northern part is under Turkish occupation since 1974). The lodgings have a capacity of 800 beds.

She said that lodgings are found in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka and Pafos as well as in the Troodos mountain region.

Prices for traditional houses vary between 120-200 euro per night for 4-8 persons, while for two persons the price reaches 50- 70 euro per night.

Panayiotou pointed out that some of these traditional houses function as small hotels, offering visitors breakfast as well as the opportunity to dine in their small restaurants.
''Although they are equipped in a modern way, they still keep their traditional character'', she went on to add.

Agrotourism offers visitors the daily hands-on experience of the rich traditions of village life, namely the simple, serene rhythms of rural life, folk customs, daily activities, and the authentic tastes of traditional cuisine, all filtered through the sense of genuine hospitality.

The Cyprus countryside is endowed with inexhaustible historical, natural and human riches, generously revealed to the visitor. Its traditional villages enhance and complement a wonderful natural environment, with their local character, traditional architecture and village planning.

Such places are conducive to a harmonious coexistence of man with nature, a coexistence sought by more and more visitors on their holidays.

“Cyprus has more than 80 nature trails to offer, bicycle routes, traditional wineries in villages”, Panayiotou told CNA, referring to some of the benefits offered by agrotourism.

She noted that while at the beginning interest shown in agrotourism was mainly by foreigners, in the past two years, Cypriots have also discovered the benefits of this new way of holidaymaking.

“In the past four years, we have noted increased development in agrotourism in Cyprus. I believe that the demand and the interest in agrotourism will increase'', she said.

Concluding, Panayiotou told CNA that ''the effort made by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to promote the countryside and in general the changes made regarding the tourist product of Cyprus, the local administration and the opportunities offered by the European Union, constitute important tools for the development of our villages and the improvement of our agrotourism product”.

For more information and reservations one can visit the website www.agrotourism.com.cy.
CNA GM/MM

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, one of the oldest cities in the Eastern Mediterranean with a population of around 315,000, is today a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, rich in history and culture that combines its historic past with the amenities of a modern city.

As part of its continuous effort to provide the capital and its residents with better facilities and services and improve the living conditions of its citizens, Nicosia Municipality has introduced various programmes to help revitalize this divided city and is embarking on different projects to achieve its long-term goals.

Nicosia remains to this day the last divided capital in Europe, with the “Green Line” splitting its heart in two.

The heart of the city, within the 16th century Venetian walls, has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, Byzantine churches and numerous medieval and neo-classical buildings. The narrow streets retain the romantic atmosphere of the past. Much of the charm and beauty of Nicosia is to be found in the old city with its labyrinthine alleyways and elegant courtyard houses. Outside the walls, the new city with its modern facilities is a cosmopolitan centre of a modern European capital.

In April 2008, a crossing point to and from the island’s northern Turkish occupied areas opened at Ledra street, one of the capital’s main commercial streets, to facilitate movement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The municipality of Nicosia is now headed by the Mayor Eleni Mavrou, the first woman Mayor in Nicosia, and its Council comprises 26 councilors, one of whom is the Deputy Mayor.

In the past few years Nicosia has seen remarkable progress regarding its infrastructure. Many projects have been completed, some of them are underway and others are to start in the months ahead.

One of the most important projects, currently in progress, is the revamp of the capital’s central square Eleftheria Square, a Nicosia benchmark.

Eleftheria Square –the name translates as Freedom Square- is a major square in central Nicosia. It is located in the centre of the town below the Venetian walls of the medieval city. Nicosia town hall, located on D’ Avila bastion, overlooks the square. The city’s mayor, Eleni Mavrou, has described the space as “the most important link between the historic centre and the contemporary city”.

Work is scheduled to begin in January of 2011 and will finish in two years.
According to the Mayor, the aim is for D’ Avila Bastion to finish a bit earlier, to coincide with the six-monthly EU rotating presidency, which Cyprus will assume in the second half of 2012.

The project was designed by distinguished British Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, a winner of numerous international competitions.

Hadid’s plans include restoring the old wall and creating a palm tree lined pedestrian walk alongside it. The existing moat below the wall will become a green “necklace”, envisioned as Nicosia’s main public park. The moat will also be altered topographically to make it more accessible from the surrounding streets.
The new design, Hadid has said, will do more than just connect places. “The opening up of the moat and its redesign will provide a room in the city for people to move freely, the evolution of a place didn't just depend on its design, but on the people too.”

The architectural plans, according to Mayor Eleni Mavrou, provide for the emergence of the archeological site in the area, the formation of green sites, parks, gardens and ponds, and of sites suitable for cultural events, such as concerts and theatrical shows.

Another ongoing project is the formation of the bus terminal in Solomou Square, near Eleftheria Square. Work started in July this year and will be finished in 12 months with a total cost of more than 4 million euro.

Mavrou described the passenger terminal in the heart of the capital as “a project of vital importance for the historical centre of Nicosia and the improvement of public transport”.

The bus station includes separate lanes for buses and private vehicles, a covered central island as a waiting point, and new pedestrian crossings. An information desk will be built to provide passengers with all the important information regarding bus routes and stations.

The first phase will last three months and will include new bus lanes and six news bus stops. The second phase will be completed in two stages over the next 12 months.

The Municipality of Nicosia is also introducing bicycle lanes, a project that will expand to other Municipalities - Aglantzia, Stovolos, Dhali, Agios Dometios and Latsia. The project includes an automated renting system of bicycles, found in most European cities. Nicosia Municipality renting system will consist of 5 bicycle stations with a total of 100 bicycles. Each station will cost 19,000 euro. The bicycles will be of the latest technology and will be available for renting as of this Fall. No decision has been made for the cost of hiring a bicycle but according to officials from the Municipality, the rental will be free of charge for some specific hours of the day. The bicycle stations will be joined with the bicycle lanes spread around the capital as well as near the University of Cyprus Aglantzia campus.

A bus lane and foot walk will also be built connecting the Presidential Palace and the Pedieos river. The project will cost more than two million euro and will finish in 18 months. The bus lane will have a total length of 2,6 kilometers and will stretch from the Presidential Palace to the Ministry of Health (near Pedieos area).

Pedieos area is, along with Athalassa Park in Aglantzia municipality, two of the most important green sites in the capital. Pedieos river is of great ecological importance.

Mayor Eleni Mavrou has reassured that the development which will take place will comply with commitments set out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. The new project, will also include wooden bridges, playgrounds and resting/picnic sites.
Nicosia Municipality is also launching a 4-year project to revive the Green Line area. The project basically aims to give incentives to businessmen to take action and open up new business and/or stimulate old ones which are situated in the centre of the old city of Nicosia, the Kaimakli area, as well as in the areas of Agios Dometios/Agios Pavlos, near the Green line, which divides the capital.

The four year project will cost 3 million euro. So far, approximately 49 people have applied for the programme.

According to Mayor Eleni Mavrou revitalising the above areas will not only be beneficiary for aesthetic reasons, but it will also help the economy and boost competition.

Part of the efforts made by the Municipality to provide better and more services to the citizens is the operation of a Centre, in the heart of the city, as a non governmental organization. It was founded by the Municipality and is housed in a 19th century building used by the British colonial soldiers as a military camp.

The Centre hosts concerts and theatre performances. It also plays another important role as a Day Care centre for the elderly and children of immigrant families. It currently accommodates 21 children, aged 5 to 12 years old who are transfer there by bus provided by Nicosia Municipality. The children can stay at the Center until 5.30 in the afternoon and are provided with a main meal as well as teaching facilities, at a very low cost.

It also serves as a meeting/teaching place for immigrants. Greek language lessons as well as computer lessons are provided. Last year a total number of 30 people attended lessons.

The Centre can accommodate around 70 senior citizens per day. Currently, only 50 people visit the Centre daily, 21 of whom are escorted there by special tenders or nurses. The Municipality also provides home care for the elderly or special escorts/nurses. Three special nurses are currently employed although the needs are growing.

The elderly participate in special programmes such as culinary, handicraft and dancing. The Centre also provides a health officer who comes in once a week and examines residents.
In the future, the Centre will serve as a daily care centre for children who belong to single parent families. The programme named “Rainbow” is funded by the Norwegian government and the services for the first year will be provided free of charge.

As of 2008, Nicosia Municipality has also incorporated in its programmes, the Community Service Program, aiming at people who have been convicted of minor crimes. Participants to this service offer their services three times a week, in the Cleaning and Landscape Departments of Nicosia Municipality.

Mayor Eleni Mavrou has announced that future projects for the capital include a special mental counseling programme, with doctors and nurses providing services, and specialized seminars for parenting, youth issues, drugs and other social concerns.
Some of the other projects that are in progress or under consideration include a new archeological museum, a cultural centre, a new Town Hall and a new Cathedral in the old part of the city.

The new Town Hall will be completed in two phases. The first phase will finish the first few months of 2012 and it will include the main municipal offices and service facilities. It is estimated that the cost will rise to more than 11 million euro. The second phase will start in December 2010 and will include a complex of four buildings.

The Mayor has said that the construction of the new Town Hall in the historic centre of the capital aims at the revival of the area and the encouragement of residents and owners to restore their old properties.

The new archeological museum will be built at close proximity to its current location. The present building of the archeological museum dates back to 1908. According to the plans, the new building will finish no later than 2016 and it will rehouse all the archeological treasures now located in the old Museum.

The new Cultural Centre will open its doors in 2012. It is considered to be one of the most important cultural projects in the capital. It will consist of a hall which will be able to host 1,400 people, a concert hall of 500 seats, a library, workshops, galleries, a cafe/restaurant, an amphitheatre and a big parking lot for 600 vehicles.

Future plans for Nicosia Municipality also include the construction of the new Cathedral, to be built in the old part of the city, in the grounds of the Archbishopric. 

Pope Benedict XVI has paid an historic visit to Cyprus in early June and conveyed the message that truth and reconciliation, together with respect, are the soundest foundation for the united and peaceful future of this island, and for the stability and prosperity of all its people.

During his official visit, from June 4-6, at the invitation of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias, the Holy Father held important meetings with the political and ecclesiastical authorities of the island. He described his meeting with the Primate of the Church of Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II as very important, not only for the Catholic Church on the way to the dialogue for the unity of Christians but also for the church in Cyprus.

The Pope left a charge to the Maronite Church in Cyprus, that in union with all pastors and the Bishop of Rome, it may grow.

Pope Benedict delivered a personal appeal for an urgent and concerted international effort to resolve the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially in the Holy Land, before such conflicts lead to greater bloodshed.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church presented the “Instrumentum Laboris’’ during holy mass where around ten thousand pilgrims from all walks of life attended, noting that the choice of Cyprus for this act and the announcement of the coming Synod were very important. This, he pointed out, was recognition that Cyprus is a meeting point, a place where cultures, religions and people can meet in peace.

He pledged to help Cyprus restore its cultural treasures stolen from the island’s northern Turkish occupied areas, after the 1974 Turkish invasion.


FRIDAY, 4TH JUNE

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Paphos, on Friday, accompanied by a multimember delegation. He was officially welcomed by President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and his wife, Elsie.

The welcoming ceremony included a speech by President Christofias and a reply by Pope Benedict XVI, who blessed a potted olive tree, which will later be planted at Paphos Airport, as a reminder of the Pope's visit.

Welcoming the Pope, President Christofias said Cyprus is free of nationalist prejudices and its struggle is a struggle for mankind, irrespective of language, religion and cultural identity.

He said “it is a great honour for us that His Holiness the Pope is visiting our island for the first time in our modern history. It is natural for You, as a profound scholar of the Church Fathers and theology, to manifest your sensitivity by visiting Paphos, in the footsteps of Apostle Paul, who during the first apostolic tour on his first stop to Europe, and accompanied by the Apostle Barnabas, brought Christianity to Cyprus,'' he added.

He stressed that the Pope's presence in Cyprus ''conveys a strong message of peace over hatred and war. We share with You the same vision for peace and social justice. Our fight against poverty, exclusion, injustice and hunger, which unfortunately still plague much of our planet, is a common one,'' the President said.

''Cyprus is in need of Your words of peace, given the difficult situation the island is facing in its occupied area. Allow me to say that Cyprus is in need of Your prayers and Your contribution in order to quickly regain its unity and freedom. We are thus grateful for the days You will be among us. Your presence in our country undoubtedly constitutes a historical occasion,'' the President underlined.

He noted that ''Cyprus is an apostolic land with Christian roots dating back two millennia. Unfortunately, much of the intellectual and cultural heritage of Cyprus, including the tomb and the Stavropegic Monastery of St. Barnabas, as well as about 500 other religious monuments, are still under occupation by the Turkish army. Particularly worrying is the fact that for more than 35 years our cultural and religious heritage in the occupied area has been looted and destroyed systematically, constituting a loss for humanity as a whole.''

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said that ''our effort is to achieve a just solution through negotiations, which will lead to a complete withdrawal of foreign occupation troops and to the restoration of the rights and the fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus as a whole. In this struggle, the spiritual values of our people shield us from the deterioration and damage brought on by time. We are free of nationalist prejudices. Our struggle is a struggle for mankind, irrespective of language, religion and cultural identity. And in this noble vision we are fellow-travellers with Your Holiness,'' he underlined.

Replying, Pope Benedict XVI expressed hope that the desire of Cypriots to live in harmony with their neighbours would inspire them patiently to resolve the remaining concerns that they share with the international community for the future of the island.

He said ''Cyprus stands at the crossroads of cultures and religions, of histories both proud and ancient but which still retain a strong and visible impact upon the life of your country.''

''Having recently acceded to the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus is beginning to witness the benefit of closer economic and political ties with other European states. Membership has already given your country access to markets, technology and know-how,'' he said.

He added that ''it is greatly to be hoped that membership will lead to prosperity at home and that other Europeans in their turn will be enriched by your spiritual and cultural heritage which reflects your historical role, standing between Europe, Asia and Africa.''
Pope Benedict added that, ''following in the footsteps of our common fathers in the faith, Saints Paul and Barnabas, I have come among you as a pilgrim and the servant of the servants of God.''

''Since the Apostles brought the Christian message to these shores, Cyprus has been blessed by a resilient Christian heritage,'' he said.

The Pope noted that he looked forward to his meeting with President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, as well as Archbishop Chrysostomos II and other Cypriot religious leaders.

''I hope to strengthen our common bonds and to reiterate the need to build up mutual trust and lasting friendship between all those who worship the one God,'' he added.

Pope Benedict added that, ''as the Successor of Peter, I come in a special way to greet the Catholics of Cyprus, to confirm them in the faith and to encourage them to be both exemplary Christians and exemplary citizens, and to play a full role in society, to the benefit of both Church and state.''

''During my stay with you, I will also consign the Instrumentum Laboris, a working document in view of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops to be held later this year in Rome.''

The Pontiff pointed out that ''Cyprus is an appropriate place in which to launch our Church’s reflection on the place of the centuries-old Catholic community in the Middle East, our solidarity with all the Christians of the region and our conviction that they have an irreplaceable role to play in peace and reconciliation among its peoples.''

After the red carpet ceremony, the Pope departed for the Church of Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa in Kato Paphos where an ecumenical celebration took. Archbishop Chrysostomos delivered a greeting address that was followed by a prayer by the Pope, a reading of the Acts of the Apostles, a speech by the Pope, a prayer, a song and a final blessing.

Addressing the Pope, Archbishop Chrysostomos II asked for the Pontiff's support in the struggle of the people of Cyprus.

''In this struggle of ours, Your Holiness, which the Cypriot people are waging with the guidance of their leaders, we would greatly appreciate your active support. We look forward to your help in order to ensure protection and respect for our sacred monuments and our cultural heritage, in order that the diachronic values of our Christian spirit might prevail. These values are currently being brutally violated by Turkey, a country desirous of joining the EU,'' he pointed out.

Presenting the historical events of the arrival in Cyprus of Saints Barnabas and Paul, and the first teachings of Christianity on the island, the Archbishop said that ''it was in this town that the first miracle of the Apostles was performed, as recorded in the New Testament.''

''It was here that the first European citizen was baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity. It was here that the first official citadel of idolatry fell and in its place the glory of the Cross was raised in all its splendour, and would gradually spread to cover the whole of Europe and shape its historical future,'' he added.

The Archbishop said that ''here in Paphos, after the wondrous events that took place, Paul became established as the Apostle to the Nations, and went on to sow the seeds of the bread of life in your own cathedra and throughout the whole of Europe.''

Referring to the situation in Cyprus, the Archbishop said that ''since 1974, Cyprus and its Church have been experiencing the most difficult times in their history.''

''Turkey, which attacked us barbarously and, with the power of its arms, occupied 37% of our territory, is proceeding, with the tolerance of the so-called ‘civilised’ world, to implement its unholy plans, first to annex our occupied territories and then the whole of Cyprus,'' he pointed out.

The Archbishop also referred to the destruction of monuments in the Turkish occupied areas, noting that ''our cultural heritage has been plundered relentlessly and our Christian monuments are being destroyed or sold on the markets of illicit dealers in antiquities, in an attempt to rid the island of every last trace of all that is Greek or Christian.''

''We hope that in this terrible ordeal, which has caused so much agony to the Christian congregation of our Church since 1974, the Good and All-Merciful Lord will not turn His face from our suffering people, but will grant us peace, freedom, and justice, thus granting to us the all-fulfilling love given by His presence in our hearts,'' he said.

In his speech, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the contribution of the Church in Cyprus to the process of reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

The path leading to the goal of full communion will certainly not be without its difficulties, yet the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Cyprus are committed to advancing in the way of dialogue and fraternal cooperation, the Pope said in his speech at Aghia Kiriaki Chrysopolitissa Church in Paphos where he went after his arrival in Cyprus.

The Pope began his speech saluting people in Greek. ''It is truly an extraordinary grace for us to gather together in prayer in this Church of Agia Kiriaki Chrysopolitissa,'' he said.

He noted that ''set apart by the Holy Spirit, Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, a native of Cyprus, and Mark, the future evangelist, first came to Salamis, where they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues. Traversing the island, they reached Paphos where, close to this very place, they preached in the presence of the Roman pro-consul Sergius Paulus. Thus it was from this place that the Gospel message began to spread throughout the Empire, and the Church, grounded in the apostolic preaching, was able to take root throughout the then-known world, he added.

He stressed that ''the Church in Cyprus can rightly be proud of her direct links to the preaching of Paul, Barnabas and Mark, and her communion in the apostolic faith, a communion which links her to all those Churches who preserve that same rule of faith.''

''This is the communion, real yet imperfect, which already unites us, and which impels us to overcome our divisions and to strive for the restoration of that full visible unity which is the Lord’s will for all his followers. For, in Paul’s words, 'there is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism''', the Pope said.

He noted that ''the Church’s communion in the apostolic faith is both a gift and a summons to mission. Like Paul and Barnabas, every Christian, by baptism, is set apart to bear prophetic witness to the Risen Lord and to his Gospel of reconciliation, mercy and peace,'' he said.

He added that in this context, the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, due to meet in Rome next October, will reflect on the vital role of Christians in the region, encourage them in their witness to the Gospel, and help foster greater dialogue and cooperation between Christians throughout the region.

Before leaving, the Pope received a gift by the Mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas.

After that the Pontiff departed for the Apostolic Nunciature in Nicosia, his living quarters during his stay in Cyprus. The Nunciature is located at the compound of the Franciscan friary of Holy Cross, belonging to the Custody of the Holy Land, with adjacent the church of the same name, which is the parish of the Catholic Latin Community of Cyprus. The church and the Franciscan friary are within the United Nations buffer zone, near ''Paphos Gate.

SATURDAY, 5TH JUNE

The second day of the Pope’s official visit began with a courtesy call to the President of the Republic, at the Presidential Palace.

The President and his wife awaited the Holy Father outside the palace, near the statue of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of the Republic. The Holy Father placed a wreath of flowers at the foot of the monument.

The President accompanied the Pope inside the palace where they had a half hour meeting and Christofias presented the respective delegations in the Ceremonial Hall.

The Pope and the President attended a gathering at the large Palace gardens where the Civil Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps had gathered, under the sounds of the Cyprus Young Strings Soloists of Matheos Kariolou.

Addressing the Pope, President Christofias called on the international community to exert its influence on Turkey, pointing out that it is high time that everyone realizes that compliance with international law is more important than serving the narrow interests relating to the geostrategic position of Turkey.

President Christofias warned that otherwise, justice and stability in the whole area of the Eastern Mediterranean will be jeopardized. The recent distressing developments in Gaza, he said, should make everyone stop and think.

The President also stressed that Cyprus aspires to and can become a model for the “civilisation of co-existence”, the civilisation of the future.

Due to its geographic position, he continued, Cyprus has always been a meeting point of many peoples and civilizations, adding that for centuries, “Orthodox Christians live harmoniously on our island together with the Catholic and Muslim communities. This heritage and the wealth emanating from this co-existence demonstrate that Cyprus can become a bridge which unites different worlds”.

“Cyprus aspires to and can become a model for the ‘civilisation of co-existence’, the civilisation of the future”, said President Christofias.

He added that the humanitarian work of the Holy See for the poor is an example for all and for this reason, “Your Holiness, to me Your visit is an historic moment and I assure You of my country’s desire to further develop its cooperation with the Holy See in the field of development aid. We, together with Your Holiness, are fellow travelers on the road towards achieving peace and acquiring a common universal moral conscience, as well as in the struggle against poverty, exclusion, injustice and hunger”.

President Christofias said the Pope’s visit coincides “with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. Your arrival at this time adds moral and spiritual prestige to the celebrations taking place on the occasion of this anniversary”.

In his speech, President Christofias said that a great part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Cyprus, including the burial site and the Stavropegic Monastery of Apostle Barnabas as well as the Maronite religious monuments, continues to be under the occupation of the Turkish army. It is particularly disturbing that for 36 years our cultural and religious heritage in the occupied areas is being destroyed and this constitutes a loss for mankind in general”.

The painful history of the island, underlined the President, “strengthens our longing for peace, not only for our island but also for the wider area. Our proximity to the Middle East is not just geographical but also personal”.
Despite its long history, said the President, “Cyprus gained its independence in 1960 and since 1974 is has been experiencing the painful military occupation of more than 36 per cent of its territory”. Nicosia, he reminded, “remains the last divided European capital. I recall that departing from the Holy Land a year ago, You said that the wall there was one of the most distressing images that You had ever seen in Your life. I also recall that You prayed for peace. May this prayer for peace soon be fulfilled in the case of Cyprus as well!”

President Christofias assured the Pope “that from the day of my election to the office of the President of the Republic I have dedicated all my efforts and I continue to exert every effort towards the achievement of a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem”.

The road towards the solution, however, “requires that Ankara changes its policy and that it negotiates on the basis of the agreed framework for the solution, which we reached with the former leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat. This framework provides that the solution shall be a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality of the two communities as this is described in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. It also provides that Cyprus shall be one state, with a single sovereignty, a single international personality and a single citizenship”.

Turkey, President Christofias said, “has a motive to change its policy since it seeks to become a full member of the European Union. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus supports the accession of Turkey to the European Union. It is not, however, prepared to concede to everything that pertains to the relations between Turkey and the European Union, except under the condition that Turkey will comply with its obligations towards the EU and its member states”.

The international community must exert its influence on Turkey, he said, adding “it is high time that everyone realizes that compliance with international law is more important than serving the narrow interests relating to the geostrategic position of Turkey”.

“Otherwise, justice and stability in the whole area of the Eastern Mediterranean will be jeopardized. The recent distressing developments in Gaza should make everyone stop and think”, he said.
  
“We honour our commitments and are free of nationalistic prejudices. We bring to the negotiation table positions that serve the interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole, regardless of national identity and religious beliefs. Our political determination and our good will to reach a solution cannot be disputed”, the President stressed.
Expressing his gratitude for the gracious words of greeting which President Christofias had expressed in his speech, the Pope said that he had just laid a wreath at the memorial of the late Archbishop Makarios, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus.

“Like him, each of you in your lives of public service must be committed to serving the good of others in society, whether at the local, national or international level. This is a noble vocation which the Church esteems. When carried out faithfully, public service enables us to grow in wisdom, integrity and personal fulfillment. Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics gave great importance to such fulfillment – eudemonia - as a goal for every human being, and saw in moral character the way to reach that goal”.

From a religious perspective, he said “we are members of a single human family created by God and we are called to foster unity and to build a more just and fraternal world based on lasting values. In so far as we fulfill our duty, serve others and adhere to what is right, our minds become more open to deeper truths and our freedom grows strong in its allegiance to what is good.”

On a personal level, Pope Benedict said, “you as public servants know the importance of truth, integrity and respect in your relationships with others. Personal relationships are often the first steps towards building trust and – in due course – solid bonds of friendship between individuals, peoples and nations. This is an essential part of your role, both as politicians and diplomats”.

In countries with delicate political situations, he said, “such honest and open personal relationships can be the beginning of a much greater good for entire societies and peoples”.

“Let me encourage all of you, present here today, to seize the opportunities afforded you, both personally and institutionally, to build these relationships and, in so doing, to foster the greater good of the concert of nations and the true good of those whom you represent”, the leader of the Roman Catholic church said.

“Moral rectitude and impartial respect for others and their well-being are essential to the good of any society since they establish a climate of trust in which all human interactions, whether religious, or economic, social and cultural, or civil and political, acquire strength and substance”, he underlined, adding “but what does it mean in practical terms to respect and promote moral truth in the world of politics and diplomacy on the national and international levels? How can the pursuit of truth bring greater harmony to the troubled regions of the earth? I would suggest that it can be done in three ways”.

Firstly, he said, “promoting moral truth means acting responsibly on the basis of factual knowledge. As diplomats, you know from experience that such knowledge helps you identify injustices and grievances, so as to consider dispassionately the concerns of all involved in a given dispute. When parties rise above their own particular view of events, they acquire an objective and comprehensive vision'', the Pope said.

A second way of promoting moral truth, he went on to add, “consists in deconstructing political ideologies which would supplant the truth''.

Thirdly, the Pope added, “promoting moral truth in public life calls for a constant effort to base positive law upon the ethical principles of natural law''.

Concluding, Pope Benedict reaffirmed his esteem and that of the Church for “your important service to society and to the building of a secure future for our world. I invoke upon all of you the divine blessings of wisdom, strength and perseverance in the fulfillment of your duties”.

The second stop of the day was a scheduled visit to St. Maron Primary School to meet with the Catholic Community of Cyprus.

Maronites and Latins living in Cyprus presented Pope Benedict XVI with “a celebration of the world”, as children attending the St. Maron Primary school performed a special cultural programme, illustrating the history and the heritage of their communities.

Pope Benedict received an elated welcome from the people who were chanting “Hail the Pope” as he arrived at the school.

The Pope was greeted by Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Soueif who said “Cyprus welcomes you with great joy”, noting that “all the spiritual families and civil society commissions are happy and proud of this historic event”.

Archbishop Soueif said that “Maronites, Latins and Armenias form the three religious groups, the minorities, along with the two communities on the island, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots.” There exist churches and ethnic groups that came to live on this island, the island of serenity and peace, he noted, adding that the Maronites are proud of their heritage.

Recalling that the Maronites of Cyprus have four villages, “just like the four sides of the Cross - Kormakitis, Asomatos, Agia Marin, Karpasha - and next to them the Monastery of Prophet Elias”, Archbishop Soueif called on the Pope to “help us return to our villages” and to remember Cyprus in “your prayers”.

Before the cultural programme, the Pope blessed potted olive trees, which will later be planted at the Maronite villages in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

In his speech, the Pope, speaking in Greek, said it was a great joy to be there, with the representatives of the Catholic community in Cyprus.

Pope Benedict said “on this historic occasion of the first visit of the Bishop of Rome to Cyprus, I come to confirm you in your faith in Jesus Christ and to encourage you to remain of one heart and one soul in fidelity to the apostolic tradition. As the Successor of Peter, I stand among you today to offer you the assurance of my support, my affectionate prayers and my encouragement”.

“Given your unique circumstances, I would also like to draw your attention to an essential part of our Church’s life and mission, namely the search for greater unity in charity with other Christians and dialogue with those who are not Christians”, the Pope said.

“You are able to make your personal contribution to the goal of greater Christian unity in your daily lives. Let me encourage you to do so, confident that the Spirit of the Lord, who prayed that his followers might be one will accompany you in this important task”.

With regard to inter-religious dialogue, Pope Benedict XVI said “much still needs to be done throughout the world. This is another area where Catholics in Cyprus often live in circumstances which afford them opportunities for right and prudent action. Only by patient work can mutual trust be built, the burden of history overcome, and the political and cultural differences between peoples become a motive to work for deeper understanding”.

He urged the Catholic community of Cyprus to “help create such mutual trust between Christians and non-Christians as a basis for building lasting peace and harmony between peoples of different religions, political regions and cultural backgrounds”.

With regard to the immediate needs of the Church, the Pope said I “encourage you to pray for and to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. As this Year for Priests draws to a close, the Church has gained a renewed awareness of the need for good, holy and well-formed priests. She needs men and women religious completely committed to Christ and to the spread of God’s reign on earth”.

Addressing those working in the Catholic schools of the island, especially the teachers, the Pope said their “work is part of a long and esteemed tradition of the Catholic Church in Cyprus. Continue patiently to serve the good of the whole community by striving for educational excellence”.

Turning to the young Catholic people of Cyprus, Pope Benedict said he had a “special word. Be strong in your faith, joyful in God’s service and generous with your time and talents! Help to build a better future for the Church and for your country in placing the good of others before your own'', the Pope concluded.

The cultural expressions, presented by the children, consisted of four different sections aiming to present life in villages over spring, summer, autumn and winter. Children and teenagers from Maronite and Latin schools took part to the sound of music, written mainly by Cypriot composers.

Soloists and Choirs from both Maronite and Latin communities as well as of the larger society of Cyprus also accompanied the children. After the cultural event, representatives of the two Catholic communities (Maronite and Latin) presented gifts to the Holy Father.

Next on the Pope’s official programme was a courtesy visit to the Primate of the Church of Cyprus Archbishop Chysostomos II.

Addressing the Cypriot religious leader, Pope Benedict XVI wished for all the inhabitants of Cyprus to find the wisdom and strength needed to work together for a just settlement of issues remaining to be resolved.

“I will now join you in praying that all the inhabitants of Cyprus, with God’s help, will strive for peace and reconciliation, and to build for future generations a society distinguished by respect for the rights of all, including the inalienable rights to freedom of conscience and freedom of worship.”

Addressing Chrysostomos at the Archbishopric, the Pope said he was grateful for the support that the Church of Cyprus, through the clarity and openness of its contributions, has always given to the work of the Theological Dialogue.

He noted that the spirit of fraternity and communion also found expression in the generous contribution which the Archbishop sent in the name of the Church of Cyprus for those suffering from last year’s earthquake in l’Aquila, near Rome.

He stressed that “Cyprus is traditionally considered part of the Holy Land, and the situation of continuing conflict in the Middle East must be a source of concern to all Christ’s followers.”

“No one can remain indifferent to the need to support in every way possible the Christians of that troubled region, so that its ancient Churches can live in peace and flourish. The Christian communities of Cyprus can find a most fruitful area for ecumenical cooperation in praying and working together for peace, reconciliation and stability in the lands blessed by the earthly presence of the Prince of Peace,” the Pope noted.

On his part, Archbishop Chrysostomos expressed joy and a sense of honour for having the Pope in Cyprus. He said that in the two thousand years of its history “our Church has experienced periods of great spiritual fruitfulness and splendour and its spiritually enlightened Bishops participated in all the Ecumenical Councils, at which they often played a leading role.”

He noted that despite the small numbers of its flock, the Church of Cyprus holds an eminent position in Orthodoxy and enjoys fraternal relations with all the Churches.

“Indeed, as we enter the 21st century, which is the century of dialogue, approach and mutual understanding, we are determined to continue this course, in the belief that this is the will of the All-Merciful Lord,” the Archbishop said.

The Pope was welcomed at the Archbishopric by the Archbishop and members of the Holy Synod.
The Pontiff and the Primate of the Church of Cyprus had a tete a tete meeting for half an hour. Afterwards they visited the statue of the first President of Cyprus the late Archbishop Makarios III in the courtyard of the Archbishopric and walked to Saint Ioannis Cathedral where the members of the Holy Synod and the Papal escort had gathered.

The Pope and his entourage were given a guided tour of the Byzantine Museum, the Archbishopric chapel and the chamber of Archbishop Makarios III.

During his visit to the Museum, the Pope viewed among other religious items priceless mosaics from the Turkish occupied Church of Kanakaria, which were stolen and repatriated over a decade ago. He was also shown frescos from the occupied monastery of Antifonitis which have been bought by the Church of Cyprus after being stolen by Turkish art dealer Aydin Dikmen.

The Museum curator George Eliades informed the Pontiff that unfortunately 13 years on, these artifacts – about 300 of them - have not yet been returned to Cyprus. They were confiscated by the German police in Munich.

The curator appealed to the Pope, who has served in the past as Archbishop of Munich, to help repatriate these treasures, which include icons of the Maronite Church.

The Pope appeared surprised by what he had heard and told the curator he was very interested in the issue. He asked Eliades to communicate to him in writing some more information on the matter and assured him he will do his utmost for the repatriation of the treasures.

The Pope also visited the exhibition 'Cyprus and Italy in the Age of Byzantium'. Eliades suggested that the exhibition is hosted by the Vatican on the occasion of the EU Cypriot Presidency in 2012 and the Pontiff gave his consent to this.

Later on, the Pope and the Archbishop attended a lunch at the Archbishopric, with the participation of the members of the two delegations. After the lunch the Pope and the Archbishop exchanged gifts. The Pope gave the Archbishop a mosaic presenting Saint Kyriaki and the Pillar of Saint Paul while the Primate of the Church of Cyprus offered the Pontiff a silver plate presenting the founders of the Church of Cyprus, Apostoles Barnabas and Paul.

Concluding his second day during a Holy Mass at the Latin Parish Church of the Holy Cross, the Pope said he was visiting Cyprus - a land that was the first port of call on Saint Paul’s missionary journeys across the Mediterranean - to strengthen the Christian faith and to preach the Gospel that offers life and hope to the world.

“The focus of our celebration today is the Cross of Christ. Many might be tempted to ask why we Christians celebrate an instrument of torture, a sign of suffering, defeat and failure. It is true that the Cross expresses all these things. And yet, because of him who was lifted up on the Cross for our salvation, it also represents the definitive triumph of God’s love over all the evil in the world,” he remarked.

The Pontiff said that the Cross is something far greater and more mysterious than it at first appears. “It is indeed an instrument of torture, suffering and defeat, but at the same time it expresses the complete transformation, the definitive reversal of these
evils: that is what makes it the most eloquent symbol of hope that the world has ever seen'', he added.

He stressed that “a world without the Cross would be a world without hope, a world in which torture and brutality would go unchecked, the weak would be exploited and greed would have the final word.”

The Pope also said that in his thoughts and prayers he is especially mindful of the many priests in the Middle East who are currently experiencing a particular call to conform their lives to the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.


SUNDAY, 6TH JUNE

On Sunday, the last day of his official visit, Pope Benedict XVI led thousands of people to prayer. Pope Benedict XVI made a personal appeal for an urgent and concerted international effort to resolve the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, before such conflicts lead to greater bloodshed.

He made the reference after Holy Mass at a crowded Eleftheria Stadium in Nicosia, in the presence of Patriarchs and Bishops from the Middle East, as well as representatives of their respective communities, President Christofias, Archbishop Chrysostomos II and the island’s religious and political leadership.

The service included prayers in Greek from the Bible. The Pope blessed the congregation and prayed for peace and then proceeded with the Consignment of the Instrumentum Laboris of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops.

In his speech during the Consignment of the Instrumentum Laboris, Pope Benedict thanked all for the work that has been accomplished already in anticipation of the Synodal Assembly, and “I promise you the support of my prayers as you enter this final phase of preparation”.

Pope Benedict made a special reference to the late Bishop Luigi Padovese who, as President of the Turkish Catholic Bishops, contributed to the preparation of the Instrumentum Laboris.

“News of his unforeseen and tragic death on Thursday surprised and shocked all of us. I entrust his soul to the mercy of almighty God, mindful of how committed he was, especially as a bishop, to inter-religious and cultural understanding, and to dialogue between the Churches”, said the Pope, adding “his death is a sobering reminder of the vocation that all Christians share, to be courageous witnesses in every circumstance to what is good, noble and just”.

The motto chosen for the Assembly, said the Pope, speaks to us of communion and witness, and it reminds us how the members of the early Christian community “were of one heart and soul”. So it is not without significance that the date chosen for the Instrumentum Laboris of the Special Assembly to be consigned should be today.

“The Middle East has a special place in the hearts of all Christians, since it was there that God first made himself known to our fathers in faith”, he said. “Since then, the message of the Gospel has spread all over the world, but Christians everywhere continue to look to the Middle East with special reverence, on account of the prophets and patriarchs, apostles and martyrs to whom we owe so much, the men and women who heard God’s word, bore witness to it, and handed it onto us who belong to the great family of the Church”.

Pope Benedict said “I pray that the work of the Special Assembly will help to focus the attention of the international community on the plight of those Christians in the Middle East who suffer for their beliefs, so that just and lasting solutions may be found to the conflicts that cause so much hardship”.

On this grave matter, he added, “I reiterate my personal appeal for an urgent and concerted international effort to resolve the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially in the Holy Land, before such conflicts lead to greater bloodshed”.

Thousands of people of all ages and nationalities, including Lebanese, Sri Lankan, the Philippines, India, Syria and Jordan, packed the stadium while a few thousand were outside the Sports Centre. Special arrangements were made, including giant television screens to broadcast the holy mass live.

During his speech at the Holy Mass, the Pope extended a particular greeting to the Filipino, Sri Lankan and other immigrant communities who form such a significant grouping within the Catholic population of this island.

“I pray that your presence here will enrich the life and worship of the parishes to which you belong, and that you in turn will draw much spiritual sustenance from the ancient Christian heritage of the land that you have made your home”, he said.

Concluding, he said “we are called to overcome our differences, to bring peace and reconciliation where there is conflict, to offer the world a message of hope.''

Before his departure, the Pope stopped at the Maronite Cathedral of our Lady of Graces, near Paphos Gate, in Nicosia, in the UN-controlled buffer zone, which borders the northern Turkish occupied part of the country.

In his prayer, Pope Benedict said he left a charge to the Maronite Church, that in union with all pastors and the Bishop of Rome, it may grow.

The Holy Father entered the Cathedral as hundreds of people chanted slogans in praise of the Pope and children waited for him. A short prayer and greetings followed and the faithful of the Maronite community of Cyprus greeted him with prayers and hymns from the choir.

Welcoming the Pope at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Youssef Soueif thanked the Holy Father for his visit, adding it was “an apostolic visit to an apostolic land, which made the church rejoice and the country proud”.

Archbishop Soueif said “the Maronites of Cyprus, welcoming their brothers and sisters from Lebanon, the Middle East, and the whole world, are proud and happy to renew the covenant of faith, hope and love with the Lord and with you, our Holy Father”.

Replying, Pope Benedict said he was very pleased to make the visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces and thanked Archbishop Youssef Soueif for his kind words of welcome on behalf of the Maronite community in Cyprus.

“As I visit this building, in my heart I make a spiritual pilgrimage to every Maronite church of the island. Be assured that, moved by a father’s care, I am close to all the faithful of those ancient communities”, the Pope pledged.

He remarked that the Cathedral church of “Our Lady of Graces” “in some way represents the very long and rich – and sometimes turbulent - history of the Maronite community in Cyprus. Maronites came to these shores at various times throughout the centuries and were often hard-pressed to remain faithful to their distinct Christian heritage”.

Nevertheless, Pope Benedict added, “in spite of their faith being tested like gold in a fire, they remained constant in the faith of their fathers, a faith which has now been passed on to you, the Maronite Cypriots of today. I urge you to treasure this great inheritance, this precious gift”.

Concluding, Pope Benedict said “this is the charge I leave with you today: I pray that your Church, in union with all your pastors and with the Bishop of Rome, may grow in holiness, in fidelity to the Gospel and in love for the Lord and for one another”.
    
Father Federico Lombardi, Spokesman for the Vatican, described Pope Benedict’s visit to Cyprus as “an historic visit”, noting this is the third trip of the Pontiff in less than two months after Malta and Portugal, all with very good success.

“With the ecumenical aspect very positive, the meeting with the Archbishop of the Cyprus church, Chrysostomos II, was very important not only for the Catholic Church on the way to the dialogue for the unity of Christians but also for the church in Cyprus,” he added, speaking shortly before the entourage’s departure from Nicosia.

He recalled the words of Archbishop Chrysostomos that the church of Cyprus is small in numbers but with a very important role in the relations among the orthodox churches and to the ecumenical engagement.

This meeting, he pointed out, was very important to the recognition of the Catholic Church and the very important role that the Church of Cyprus has in the world of Christian churches.

“This was a very important visit of the Pope”, he said, adding that there were three very important meetings with the Catholics in Cyprus, at Saint Maron’s school and the two Holy Masses. He also mentioned that in Cyprus there are 20.000 Catholics and half of them attended this morning’s Holy Mass.

The choice of Cyprus for the presentation of “Instrumentum Laboris’’ and the announcement of the coming Synod is very important, because, as he stressed, this is a recognition of Cyprus as a meeting point, a place which cultures, religious and people can meet in a peaceful way.

Regarding the Holy Mass, Lombardi said that there were several non Catholic Bishops such as Archbishop Chrysostomos, Coptic, Anglican and Armenian Bishops as well as politicians as President of Cyprus Republic, Demetris Christofias and former President, Glafkos Klerides and four or five ministers of the government and members of the European Parliament.

Present at the Holy Mass were 8.500 of the Catholic community, 6.500-7.000 inside the building and several hundred outside, he said. He said he was impressed by the choir, because there were not only Maronites but also Africans, Asians, all singing together “a good example for me of the universal church which comes here and the unity of Catholic church with different components”.

On the “Instrumentum Laboris’’, he said that it was consigned to the members of the Council of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, from countries of the area and three cardinals from Rome who are also members of the Synod. He noticed also that there was an absence; there was no Bishop from Turkey in the morning Mass.

Regarding the meetings of Pope with the political and ecclesiastical authorities and the people, Lombardi said that the balance is very positive.

President Christofias and the Archbishop had the opportunity to refer to the division of the island and the Pope answered in his way but also clearly stressing the common ground to build the basis for a common life.

The Pope expressed his solidarity with the Maronites who cannot visit freely their villages in the north and underlined the right of religious rights and the protection of spiritual and cultural heritage.

Replying to questions, he said that the absence of some members of the Holy Synod of the Cyprus Church at the Archbishopric lunch was in the minority, pointing out that yesterday’s ecumenical ceremony in Paphos was significant and so was the meeting with the Archbishop.
   
Later on the Pope and his entourage left for Larnaca Airport where the official farewell ceremony took place.

Addressing the Pope, President Christofias described the Pope’s visit to Cyprus “an historic event of unparalleled significance”, which attaches particular prestige to the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

The President thanked Pope Benedict XVI profusely for his firm support to the cause of the people of Cyprus to achieve a just, viable and functional solution, which will reunite the country, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

President Christofias extended special thanks to the Pope for his concern regarding the continuous destruction of the island’s cultural and religious heritage in the areas occupied by the Turkish army.

In his farewell address, at Larnaka International Airport, at the end of the Pope's three day official visit here, the President noted that Cyprus and the Vatican share the same vision for a more peaceful, freer, and more just world.

For the Cypriots, he pointed out, “this journey constitutes an historic event of unparalleled significance which also attaches particular prestige to the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.”

“In You, all Cypriots have seen the messenger of peace and a fervent supporter of equality. Your Journey, Bishop of the Ancient Church of Rome, has been a spiritual experience for Catholic Cypriots, as well as for foreign Catholics employed here, who have had the opportunity to greet their shepherd in person and with great devoutness” he added.

On a more personal note, the President said he was truly honored and overjoyed to welcome him to Cyprus. “Thank You for the happiness You have granted us with Your presence at the events organized by my Government,” he told the Pope.

“I assure You that we intend to further extend our co-operation with the Holy See in all fields and in particular in the field of development aid. We are convinced that all of us, each in his/her field, have to intensify our efforts, as urged by You in the circular on social solidarity Deus Caritas Est. We share the same vision for a more peaceful, more free, and more just world without starving people, without poor people who have no access to basic goods such as drinking water and medical care,” the President said.

“I would once more like to thank You for Your firm support to our cause for achieving a just, viable and functional solution, which will reunite our country on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles upon which the EU is founded. I would also like to thank You for Your sensitivity concerning the issue of the continuous destruction of our cultural and religious heritage in the areas occupied by the Turkish army. The struggle we are conducting aims at the reunification of our country and the restoration of the human rights of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins,” the President concluded.

In his last speech before departure, the head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Benedict XVI referred to Cyprus’ “sad division” which he has seen during his three-day official visit to the island, noting that he has also learned about the destruction of the island’s cultural heritage.

He said he has also listened to Cypriots from the northern part of the country who wish to return in peace to their homes and places of worship and was deeply moved by their pleas.

The Pope believes that Cyprus can play a particular role in promoting dialogue and cooperation.

Describing his visit as a “brief but fruitful Apostolic Journey”, the Pope thanked the President and expressed gratitude for all that he and his government and the civil and military authorities have done to make his visit such a memorable and successful one.

The Mediterranean, he said, is a rich mosaic of peoples with their distinctive cultures and their beauty, their warmth and their humanity. “In spite of that reality, the Eastern Mediterranean is at the same time no stranger to conflict and bloodshed, as we have tragically witnessed in recent days. Let us all redouble our efforts to build a real and lasting peace for all the peoples of the region,” he noted.

Together with that general objective, “Cyprus can play a particular role in promoting dialogue and cooperation,” the Pope said.

“The path that you are taking, Mr President, is one which the international community looks to with great interest and hope, and I note with satisfaction all the efforts that have been made to favour peace for your people and for the whole island of Cyprus,” the Pope stressed.

Recalling all his encounters with religious leaders on the island, the Pope expressed hope that his visit here “will be seen as another step along the path that was opened up before us by the embrace in Jerusalem of the late Patriarch Athenagoras and my venerable predecessor Pope Paul the Sixth.”
“Let me also express again my sincere hope and prayer that, together, Christians and Muslims will become a leaven for peace and reconciliation among Cypriots and serve as an example to other countries,” he added.

The Pope encouraged the President and his Government in their high responsibilities, including the most important tasks of assuring the peace and security of all Cypriots.

“Having stayed these past nights in the Apostolic Nunciature, which happens to be in the United Nations buffer zone, I have seen for myself something of the sad division of the island, as well as learning of the loss of a significant part of a cultural heritage which belongs to all humanity. I have also listened to Cypriots from the north who wish to return in peace to their homes and places of worship, and I have been deeply moved by their pleas,” he said.

Truth and reconciliation, together with respect, are the soundest foundation for the united and peaceful future of this island, and for the stability and prosperity of all her people, the Pope said, adding that “much good has been achieved in this regard through substantive dialogue in recent years, though much remains to be done to overcome divisions.”

“Let me encourage you and your fellow citizens to work patiently and steadfastly with your neighbours to build a better and more certain future for all your children. As you do so, be assured of my prayers for the peace of all Cyprus,” he concluded.

The Pope left for the Vatican onboard a Cyprus Airways aircraft where all necessary preparations had been made.
CNA EC/MM   
    

British High Commissioner – Interview with CNA

Nicosia, Apr 20 (CNA) --- The UK continues to fully endorse UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus, British High Commissioner here Peter Millett has said, adding that London, as a guarantor power, will continue to support the peace talks towards a political settlement.

In an interview with CNA, days before his departure from the island and under current restrictions imposed by London ahead of May’s elections in the UK, Millett noted the “important” progress made in the negotiations between Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Mehmet Ali Talat over the past 18 months.

The High Commissioner expressed hope for “further progress” towards a solution in the coming months, noting this is a Cypriot led process.

Millett believes that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between London and Nicosia, has created enormous opportunities which offer mutual benefit to both countries.

On bilateral cooperation, he said there have been initiatives to help Cyprus curb football hooliganism, improve road safety, tackle organised crime and furthering research and development.

He described Britain as a “crucial economic partner”, saying that the Cyprus-UK Business Association has provided a solid foundation on which the business world can build greater trade links.

On a more personal note, Peter Millett said he was pleased to have had the chance to know Cypriots in all walks of life and develop bonds of friendship. He also talked about the beautiful areas of Akamas, expressing hope that they will be protected.


The full text of the interview is as follows:


Q. How do you assess the current political situation in Cyprus? What are the prospects of a political settlement within the year?

A: The leaders’ statement on 30 March highlighted that important progress had been made in the settlement talks. Both leaders have shown the political will and courage to take forward this difficult negotiation. The future process is up to the two leaders and I hope that they will make further progress in the coming months.

Q. What would you say could be the benefits of an international meeting on Cyprus, with the participation of Britain, Turkey, Greece, the EU, the UN, the Republic of Cyprus and representatives of the island’s two communities?

A: This is a Cypriot led process. It will therefore be up to the two leaders, in collaboration with the United Nations, to decide how to take forward the settlement process. The UK, as a Guarantor Power, will continue to support these talks.

Q. In June 2008, Britain and Cyprus signed a MoU, in which the UK stated it will not support any moves towards partition or the recognition or upgrading of any separate political entity on the island. Many would question London’s commitment to this. What do you have to say on that?

A: The UK is a party to the Treaty of Guarantee and fully endorses Security Council Resolutions relating to Cyprus.

Q. The UK has had enormous experience in tackling various social problems, including hooliganism, crime, terrorism, immigration, political asylum issues. What has Cyprus learnt from your expertise and know-how in these areas?

A: I am delighted that the High Commission is working very closely with the Cypriot government, police and other authorities in a wide range of issues which are important for Cypriots. For example, at the invitation of the President of the Cyprus Football Association, the Head of Security from the English Football Association visited Cyprus at the end of December to give advice on how to tackle football hooliganism. This is the second initiative of football hooliganism in the last few years. Similarly on road safety we have responded to a request from the Minister of Transport for help and advice on raising awareness and taking measures to reduce deaths and injuries on Cypriot roads. Collaboration with the police on counter terrorism and steps against organised crime is close. The environment is also an important area where official level contacts, the promotion of new technology and products can bring benefits to Cyprus. On research and development I signed a collaboration agreement with the Central Planning Bureau last year. I am sure that all these steps will bring enormous benefits to both our countries.

Q. Thousands of Cypriots study in the UK. What would you say are the benefits to local society at large and to Britain for that matter?

A: Education is an important good news story for Cyprus and the UK. In the last five years the number of Cypriot students studying in the UK has more than doubled to around 11,000. They bring great benefits to British universities because they are intelligent, motivated and hard working. I also believe that their studies in the UK bring them into contact with a wide international environment giving them more than just knowledge but an important experience for their future lives.

Q. Bilateral trade seems to be by far in your favour. What can be done to balance this out?

A: The UK is a crucial economic partner for Cyprus. The trade links are close in both goods and increasingly on services. The High Commission has promoted closer links, for example through the visit of the Chief Executive Officer of UK Trade and Investment Sir Andrew Cahn in 2008 and of the Lord Mayor of London in 2009. We have concentrated on financial and legal services, the energy sector and the environment and in all areas major British companies are interested in developing their business contacts with Cyprus. The creation of the Cyprus/UK Business Association two years ago has also given us a solid framework to build greater trade links in future.

Q. In terms of tourism, it goes both ways in that Cypriots regularly visit the UK and British come to sunny Cyprus. Is there room for improvement to the benefit of both countries? In what respect?

A: I welcome the fact that many Cypriots enjoy travelling to the UK for tourism, shopping and visiting their children at university. I am delighted that Cypriots can get to know more parts of the United Kingdom, especially those outside London. As far as British tourism in Cyprus is concerned, I am aware that numbers are down because of the recession. But UK tourists still make up more than half of all the tourists who come to Cyprus. I therefore believe strongly that if Cyprus can update and upgrade its overall strategy for attracting tourists to meet the more competitive tourist market then this market will continue to grow again. I am sure that British tourists will continue to enjoy the many attractions that Cyprus offers, but the tourist product needs to keep up with changing demands.


Q. What would you say were the highlights of your time in Cyprus, both high and low, on the political front as well as on bilateral relations?

A: There have been many hugely enjoyable moments during my time here and also many challenging issues. An important objective has been to establish a solid working relationship with the Government of Cyprus as a trusted and respected partner within the European Union. The Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Christofias in London in 2008 has created enormous opportunities which offer mutual benefit to both countries.

Q. On a more personal note, to what extent would you say your own contribution to fostering better links between the two countries has contributed?

A: Getting to know Cypriots in all walks of life has been a pleasure. I have enjoyed visiting all parts of the island and developing contacts and friendships in places like Limassol and Paphos. Visiting the beautiful areas of the Akamas, Troodos and the Karpas enabled me to see the most beautiful corners of this island. I hope that the unspoilt beauty of these areas will be protected for the future benefit of Cypriots and tourists.

I also want to pay tribute to the role that my wife June has played in increasing awareness of eating disorders in Cyprus and taking forward an initiative to set up a specialist unit in Cyprus. She has found that Cypriots are enormously generous in giving money to support this venture and I am sure she will continue to follow its progress.

Q. What would you say is the contribution of rapprochement to the peace effort, including moves such as the one made by Stelios Hadjioannou?

A: I have no doubt that building confidence and reconciliation between the communities is crucial to the future reunification of Cyprus. I have actively supported Stelios Hadjioannou’s initiative for funding bicommunal projects and I hope that this year’s round of bids will attract many more high quality proposals.
CNA MM/GCH/2010

Nicosia Buffer Zone revisited

It is said that revisiting history is a means of finding new ways forward. Twenty years ago, a colleague and I embarked on a tour of the Nicosia Buffer Zone. It was to the young journalists, at the time, a profound experience. Twenty years on, we traced back our steps in the hope that things might have changed, as the future remains uncertain. However, the experience remains the same. A sense of despair when visiting an area where time has stood still and the only residents are the ghosts of the past.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus arranged for a tour of the Buffer Zone with another two journalists and coordinated the entire trip as the area is under their administration. Our journey began at Beaver Lodge – Agios Kasianos where we had arrived from Ledra Palace Hotel on board a minibus.

In the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, this area suffered significant casualties by both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot forces, according to the UN. It sustains quite heavy damage.

Lieutenant Gareth Dickson, who has been in Cyprus for a just over three weeks, feels very comfortable in the area.

Prior to deployment, he tells us, «we had spent two and a half months doing condensed training and this was very intense. Before that, we spent roughly six months learning all the historical aspects of things».

Lieutenant Dickson said that as part of an agreement between the UN and the Turkish occupation forces, the area of the Beaver Lodge is now actively patrolled by the UN.

As I walk carefully along the dirt road, the sound of a UN helicopter deafens me. I look up to see and my eyes fall on two Turkish soldiers who are looking at the group with curiosity. The greeting from the UN officer brings a smile on their face. Lieutenant Dickson says that as part of the stabilization efforts, the UN try to have a good relationship with both forces so that if they do have any issues «it means we can solve them more likely on the ground with the soldiers talking to each other».

He also informs us that part of the school area of the Agios Kasianos is accessible to the Turkish forces only after they notify the UN, giving a minimum of 24 hours notice.

Continuing our walk, we see ahead a sign that reads “Axiotheas Street”, a very well known street in Nicosia. An elderly Greek Cypriot man greets us from the other side of the barbed wire. We are standing in no man’s land with only a barbed wire separating us from civilization.

Walking further along the man-made road, the run-down buildings depict graffiti in both Greek and Turkish. “People break into the buffer zone and they get escorted out. We will get them when we see them. We maintain a presence on this ground 24 hours a day. We dominate the area to keep it secure. To keep the buffer zone and the opposing forces, the Cypriot forces and the Turkish forces to stabilize the situation and stop any recurrence of fighting”. Lieutenant Dickson added.

He also remarks how unsafe are a number of UN posts which have been sealed off.

The UNFICYP officer further informs us that 99 percent of the area is now clear of mines.

As I continue the journey into no man’s land, we reach the narrowest point of the Buffer zone. It is only 3.3 metres wide. The line is dictated between the lines of the balconies. One side the Greek Cypriots and only a pole away the Turkish Cypriot.

Continuing the trek, we come up to a Greek Cypriot soldier who smiles awkwardly as he sees the entourage. We greet him in Greek, identify ourselves, and ask him how he is. “I am fine, just fine”. The 19-year old young man makes sure to indicate how close we are to the Turkish forces but says he has no problem with that. As we leave, we wish him a good shift since he has 6 more hours in his eight-hour shift.

Major Susan Aitken, who is also accompanying the group, repeatedly warns us not to take pictures of the soldiers on both sides of the divide.

One of the problems UNFICYP is facing with unmanning is increasing immigration from certain points, says Lieutenant Dickson. He points to an area where illegal immigrants try to penetrate from the Turkish occupied north to the Republic of Cyprus, hence the new barbed wire has been set up higher in an effort to halt the effort.

In addition, UNFICYP has installed motion sensor lighting in the entire city area and powered individually and CCTV cameras in hot spots which are monitored.

Asked what the procedure is when they find illegal immigrants, he said “we detain them and pass them to UN Police. Then they deal with them. As I said, the military mission is to stop recurrence of fighting, maintain a stable environment in the buffer zone and deescalate opposing forces and the military presence», Lieutenant Dickson reminds us.

Our journey now came to places that bring back memories. Twenty years ago I tread the same areas, with the same feeling of hope that I would come back one day where these streets would be bustling with traffic they once knew. But I am back, 20 years later, and these same streets have become narrower, not from the cars and people going up and down, but from the bushes that have grown so wild that have taken over the road. The street signs have almost disappeared. It is very hard to recognize them unless you know the area. There is no local who doesn’t know Themistocleous Street. The shop signs are covered with rust, the dominant feature along what was once a thriving commercial road.

As you close your eyes, you reminiscence the days at the bus stop at Symeou Coffee Shop where buses from the now Turkish occupied Nicosia villages end their journey. Villagers quenched their thirst during those summer days before embarking on their trip home or to town with the famous soft drink «Lex». But as you open your eyes you return to reality. A number of beams hold the facade of the building which is about to collapse. And this is a sight too frequent along the buffer zone as the many years of neglect, lack of human touch, has taken its toll on structures and the environment.

 We continue our walk in no man’s land and find signs that write «Fotos Fotiades», «Kozakis», «Galatariotis Bros», «Philippou Bros», «Hadzikyriakos», «Dikran» and more. A look at the shops which these names have in the government controlled areas of the Republic is enough to make one understand the determination of the people to rise above destruction.

One such case is that of Matheos, a man who owned a small restaurant along the Buffer Zone. It’s hard to avoid the small restaurant which has been stripped off all that could have reminded somebody of its former purpose. The tiles are broken into thousands of pieces across the floor. There are no tables, the paint from the walls is barely visible, the shelves are almost empty with only a few dusty bottles adorning them. It is evident that time is not the only visitor to Matheos restaurant; vandals have been there too and picked up a few too many things from the shops, houses and restaurants, completing the devastation in no man’s land.

We are not allowed to take anything back to Matheos who now owns a restaurant within the Phaneromeni Church area, only a few metres away from his derelict former restaurant. But he has a story to tell us when we visited him. According to Matheos, he never thought he might not return to his restaurant when the invasion began. Every day, he would perform the orthodox ritual of blessing his restaurant with the traditional «kapnistiri». When he was told to leave, he put the «kapnistiri» at the back of the door. Around 30 years later when he returned to his restaurant, he remembered the «kapnistiri». And indeed he found it and brought it back with him.

Leaving Matheos’ Restaurant, we approached the area that leads us to Ledra Street crossing which is located in the heart of the capital and was opened in April 2008. It was the first crossing to be opened that directly connected residential and commercial areas of the same municipality. At this point, we were directed to stop taking pictures or pointing cameras at anything. Before us were two large silver gates.

It felt like coming from another world, as the UN officer opened the bolted gates to reveal the lively Ledra Street, the government controlled areas on the left side and the Turkish occupied north on the right. As he closed the gate, the entourage walked through as people from both sides were crossing while work on renovating the area as part of the 2008 agreement continued. How strange it felt to come out from no man’s land into life and suddenly to hear another set of silver gates opening, inviting us to go through. And again, it was all quiet.

Lieutenant Dickson pointed out that prior to the construction of Ledra Palace Hotel, the hotel on our left, Olympus hotel, was the only five star hotel on the island. Winston Churchill is said to have stayed at the hotel on numerous occasions. A remarkable site: we see the verandas of apartments in the government controlled areas of the Republic where people live. No inch is spared in these cases, whether it is buffer zone or not. However, the case is not the same for the occupied north. According to Major Aitken, in the northern occupied part they do not build up to the buffer zone, while in the south they do.

We walk further up the road where our tour almost comes to a close to reach «Maple House». It is where the troops which patrol the Buffer Zone, mainly Canadians, were housed. The whole building is now undergoing renovation. It is known that before the invasion, a number of new cars were transported to the building and parked in the underground area of the site. The cars are still there with the exception of four vehicles that were taken on the ground floor and put on display for «exhibition» purposes. According to the UNFICYP officers, the cars, although dirty and rusty, are in running order.

We ask to photograph the cars that are parked in the underground parking but we are told that we cannot enter the area because of hygiene and safety reasons. The recent heavy rainfall, according to the officers, has made the underground area unsafe.

Another feature of Maple House is a room where soldiers have collected a number of items, including televisions, radios and other memorabilia from houses and other buildings and have put them on display.

Completing the tour of the buffer zone, I leave with a sense of emptiness. Even though the opening of the Ledra Street crossing and the revival of the area have brought life back to the capital, the remaining of the Buffer Zone area across the capital’s centre remains stagnant. Aside politics and rhetoric, the Buffer Zone remains a stigma to the country and an eyesore, a sign of division and all the consequences that come with it, which prevent the capital from regaining its former glory to become the thriving capital city for the benefit of both communities of the island.

CNA EC/MM/2010 

There has been progress in talks aiming to solve the Cyprus problem but not to an extent that would allow bigger optimism that a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem will be achieved soon, Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Vassilis Papaioannou has said.

Papaioannou assured that the Greek government fully supports the serious and sincere efforts made by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, with a view to find the soonest possible an agreed, just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem. He noted that the forthcoming visit of the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in Cyprus aims at underscoring the common goal of Cyprus and Greece to promote further efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

As regards the forthcoming so called elections in Cyprus Turkish occupied areas, the Greek Ambassador said that they constitute an opportunity to test in practice the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot sides' will the ongoing negotiations for a settlement to continue and bear fruit.

He said that the new Turkish Cypriot leadership has to take over its historic responsibilities and proceed to the negotiating table with different positions and proposals comparing to those the Turkish Cypriot side had submitted in January and prove its confidence for a common future for Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, without any positions referring to a past full of tensions, distrusts and insincerity.

Asked about the situation of the Greek economy, Papaioannou said that the Greek government has proved in practice that it has taken painful but indispensable measures to cut down public expenses with a view to boost competitiveness and has been commended for this. That is why it is determined to do its outmost with a view to overcome the current crisis and restore its esteem internationally, he added.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Greek Ambassador said that eighteen months after the beginning of the talks it can be noted that undoubtedly progress has been achieved, but not to the extent that would allow a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem to be achieved soon.

He said that when the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot sides say that they respect the Cypriot ownership of the negotiations and that they want a settlement urgently, then this must be taken into consideration and they must acknowledge that a thorough discussion is needed.

“If this is not respected and the only thing we hear are the general statements by the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot sides that they want a settlement urgently, then what I can only say is that for once again they get engaged in a communication game of creating impressions which contradicts their declarations for their good will,” he added.

He said that Greece fully supports the serious and sincere efforts made by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias with a view to reach the soonest possible an agreed, just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem.

He noted that the fact President Christofias is the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side constitutes a real “window of opportunity” to solve the Cyprus problem, which all the parties have to evaluate with seriousness.
   
“His constructive stance and the sense of responsibility he demonstrates in the negotiations must not be wrongly considered as a basis for continuous, intensive and unacceptable unilateral pressures,” he said.
  
Papaioannou noted that if what is pursued is an honest compromise then what is needed is to exert pressure on the Turkish side to take over its responsibilities and show a spirit of flexibility and of readiness to make concessions.

Invited to say if the so called elections that will take place in the Turkish occupied areas of the island will affect developments in the Cyprus problem, the Greek Ambassador said experience has shown that every time “elections” take place in the occupied areas their result is indicative of Ankara’s intentions on the Cyprus problem during the specific period.

“The so called elections in April will be an opportunity to test in practice the will of the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot sides for the ongoing negotiations for a settlement to go on and bear fruit,'' he added.

He also noted that statements by Dervis Eroglou, one of the candidates for the Turkish Cypriot leadership about a settlement of “two states and two nations” are not encouraging and expressed hope that they do not represent the will of the Turkish Cypriots’ majority.

The Ambassador stressed that the Turkish Cypriot leadership that will come out of the elections will have to continue the negotiations on the already agreed basis of the talks, aiming at a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single citizenship, a single international personality and a single sovereignty based on the UN resolutions and the EU principles and values.

Asked about Turkey’s role in efforts for a settlement, Papaioannou said that Turkey bears a great responsibility about the deadlock in the Cyprus problem. He added that Greece is in favour of Turkey’s full accession to the EU as long as Ankara will fully comply with its European obligations.

He expressed regret that due to Turkey’s refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state, and implement the Additional Protocol there are tensions and delays not only on this certain issue but also broadly as regards the cooperation of the EU with NATO.

Invited to comment on statements by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey has no secret agenda as regards efforts to reunite Cyprus, that the Greek Cypriots have to get over the lack of trust they have for Turkey and that Ankara will not abandon the EU due to Cyprus or Cyprus due to the EU, the Ambassador said that the statement that the Turkish government has no secret agenda is particularly encouraging. However, he said, is self-evident what Turkey has to do regarding the Cyprus problem as well as a candidate country for EU membership.

“If Turkey’s goal is the full accession to the EU then the dilemma ‘I abandon Cyprus or the EU’ is a pseudo-dilemma,” he added, noting that Cyprus is an independent and sovereign state that does not belong to anyone else but his people.

As regards the forthcoming visit of Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to Cyprus, Papaioannou reassured that the Cyprus problem constitutes one of Papandreou’s top priorities and that his visit to Cyprus will be a continuance of the meeting Papandreou had recently in Athens with Christofias. He also said that Papandreou will have the opportunity for consultations with Cypriot political party leaders.

“The common goal of Greece and Cyprus is to achieve a just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus question, in the framework of UN resolutions, as well as with respect to the acquis communautaire,” he said, adding that Papandreou’s visit aims at indicating and promoting this common goal, in a spirit of unity,” he added.

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

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

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