Nicosia: The Deputy Ministry of Culture has strongly condemned the organisation of the so-called ‘biennale’ in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a press release by the Deputy Ministry states that it “condemns in the strongest terms the organisation of the so-called biennale in the occupied territories by the illegal regime that attempts to undermine and question the legitimacy and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.” The Ministry emphasizes that these actions “constitute a flagrant violation of international law and an insult to our cultural heritage.”
The Ministry further notes that in full coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, necessary measures are being taken at both diplomatic and institutional levels to address the issue. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks, a resolution has not been achieved.
In a related context, an
illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally on November 15, 1983, in the Turkish occupied areas. This action was condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void.