A total of 140 works by Cypriot and Greek artists, which were hosted in the Municipal Gallery of Famagusta, are on display since January 18 at the Municipal Museum “Thalassa” in Ayia Napa, which will function as a temporary Gallery of Famagusta.
A press release by the Municipality of Ayia Napa says that President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, who inaugurated the Gallery, said that the rescued works that were returned to their rightful owners and will be temporarily exhibited in the Municipal Museum of Ayia Napa, will remind the local population, but also the foreign visitors, that the national problem of Cyprus remains unresolved and that the desire to return to the beloved town of Famagusta remains alive.
She also assured that she will support every effort that contributes to the enlightenment about Cyprus’ struggle for justice and a fair solution of the Cyprus issue.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Yiannis Toumazis also made a speech, that was read out by a representative, in which he said he was deeply moved and referred to the steps that led to this event. This, he said, shows our determination to return and reunify our homeland.
Mayor of the Turkish-occupied Municipality of Famagusta Simos Ioannou, said that it is a very important cultural event noting that it will keep the memory of Famagusta alive with the hope that Cyprus will be liberated soon. Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettos, said that this “sacred heritage will be preserved by the municipal authority in the “Thalassa” Museum until the long-awaited return to its birthplace”.
Other speakers included the Ambassador of Greece, the Mayor of Piraeus while the curator of the exhibition, Xenios Symeonidis, gave a thorough presentation of the Gallery.
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.
Source: Cyprus News Agency