Nicosia: Greek Cypriot Co-Chair of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, Sotos Ktoris, has announced that restoration works are currently in progress at several cemeteries. These efforts are part of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) agreed upon by the leaders of the two communities during the last informal meeting concerning the Cyprus issue. Ktoris shared that a second list of cemeteries awaiting restoration is being discussed with the Turkish Cypriot side, highlighting a cooperative and positive attitude from both parties.
According to Cyprus News Agency, restoration efforts are also targeting several churches in the Turkish-occupied areas and mosques in government-controlled regions of Cyprus. On a recent visit, Maria Angela Holguin, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, along with the Co-Chairs of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage, Ali Tuncay and Sotos Ktoris, inspected the Turkish Cypriot cemetery of Tochni and the Greek Cypriot cemetery of occupied Palaikithros. Holguin was briefed on the progress of cemetery restorations.
Ktoris stated that a substantial number of cemeteries have already seen restoration work commence, aligning with the CBM agreed upon by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar. Plans are in place to continue work on all cemeteries listed in the initial agreement. Discussions are ongoing with the Turkish Cypriot side to finalize a second list of cemeteries for restoration.
The restoration of these cemeteries is considered a significant CBM, addressing a sensitive issue with symbolic importance recognized by all parties involved. Ktoris expressed optimism about the positive attitude observed from both communities.
In terms of upcoming projects, Ktoris mentioned that tenders have been released for various important initiatives. Restoration work is set to begin on the Church of Panayia Apsinthiotissa in occupied Synchari, the Church of Agios Prokopios in Syngrasi, and mosques located in Koilani and Agios Thomas. Additionally, restoration efforts will extend to other sites, including the Church of Our Lady Akentous in occupied Lefka, the Church of Panayia Faneromeni in Gastria, and the Church of Agios Georgios in occupied Vokolida.
Ktoris also highlighted the ongoing architectural studies for projects slated for inclusion in the Technical Committee’s restoration program. A tender has been issued for architectural studies on two significant monuments in occupied Famagusta: the Church of Saint George of the Greeks and the Ottoman baths of Kirtiklis.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, a resolution remains elusive. The latest discussions in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without agreement. A second informal meeting on Cyprus occurred in July 2025 in New York, with further discussions scheduled for later in the year. These meetings aim to continue dialogue on outstanding issues, including crossing points and solar energy projects in the buffer zone.
The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to support the settlement process, working closely with Holguin to achieve progress.