A series of projects are scheduled to begin in the near future by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH), while a number of projects are underway on both sides.
Speaking to CNA, co-chairman Sotos Ktoris referred to the projects which are expected to start such as Panagia Mnasi in Morphou, Panagia Chryseleousa in Katokopia, Panagia Ypati in Agios Amvrosios, Agios Demetrianos of Larnaka Lapithou, Panagia Melandrina in Kalogrea while the roof of the church of Agios Andronikos in Kythrea is expected to be repaired.
Repairs are also expected to start at the mosques in Anafotia, Kelia and Pyrga.
Works are also underway at Agios Prokopios in Sygrasi, Famagusta, the Church of Timios Prodromos in Kalopsida, at Agios Georgios in Karava while the second phase of restoration work is underway at the Monastery of Apostle Andreas in Karpasia, which is considered a major project.
Repairs also continue at Panagia Apsinthiotisa on the southern slope of Pentadaktylos mountain and at the mosques in Kilani and Agios Thomas.
Ktoris said that works are currently underway in more than 70 cemeteries on both sides while many of them will be completed very soon.
The Greek Cypriot Co-chair referred to the committee’s operation, noting “that this is a model of cooperation that demonstrates in practice that coordination, shared responsibility and mutual respect can produce substantive results for the preservation of Cyprus’ cultural heritage”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.