Cyprus: List of Cemeteries to be Restored via CBMs Expanded

Restoration works are underway in cemeteries within the framework of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Cyprus. Sotos Ktoris, the Greek Cypriot Head of the Bi-communal Committee on Cultural Heritage, told CYNEWS that an agreement is expected with the Turkish Cypriot side for a second list of cemeteries to be restored.

The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, visited the Turkish Cypriot cemetery of Tochni and the Greek Cypriot cemetery of occupied Palaikythro, together with the Co-Chairs of the Technical Committee, Ali Tuncay and Sotos Ktoris.

Mr. Ktoris stated that works are in progress in a significant number of cemeteries and are expected to proceed in all cemeteries agreed upon in the first list. Restoration projects are also planned for churches and mosques, such as Panagia Apsinthiotissa, Agios Prokopios, the mosques in Koilani and Agios Thomas, and Panagia of Akentous in Lefka.

In addition, works are starting on the churches of Panagia Faneromeni in Gastria and Agios Georgios in Vokolida. A tender has been announced for the preparation of an architectural study for the church of Agios Georgios of the Greeks and the Ottoman baths Kertikli in Famagusta.