91998E0398

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0398/98 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (24 February 1998)

Subject: Conversion of an Armenian Monastery into a Hotel in Occupied Cyprus

According to reports in the Turkish newspaper the 'Kibris Postasi' the Armenian monastery of 'Sourp Magar' dating from the year 1000 AD which was bombarded by the Turkish invading forces is to be converted into a 50-bed hotel. The monastery is situated in the area of Kyrenia in occupied Cyprus. The illegitimate government intends to lease it for 49 years for $20 000 annually.

This is another example of the disregard shown by the Turkish occupying forces for the cultural heritage of the island and is a clear indication of the respect due to Christian buildings in the eyes of the powers illegally occupying the Northern part of Cyprus.

What action does the Commission intend to take in response to this manifestly illegal action by a brutal regime supported only by its 40 000 strong armed forces which have been occupying 40% of Cyprus for 24 years?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (16 March 1998)

The recent visits of 800 Turkish Cypriots to a mosque in Larnaca and the pilgrimages of several hundreds of Greek Cypriots to a monastery in the north of the island are modest signs of progress in the relations between the two communities. The respect of each other's cultural heritage is a fundamental step in preserving the identify of the two Cypriot communities. The Commission would like to utilise part of the funds of the fourth financial protocol for the restoration of monuments in the entire island (as a bi-communal project). Although until now this has not been possible, the Commission will continue to support this type of initiative and hopes that the political circumstances in Cyprus might eventually allow its implementation.