Four frescoes stolen from monasteries of the island were delivered for repatriation to the Republic of Cyprus.
According to CNA, the frescoes were delivered to the Minister of Transport, Vasiliki Anastasiadou, by the President of the Walk of Truth NGO, Tasoula Hadjitofi, at a special ceremony of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in The Hague.
Two frescoes were stolen from the Monastery of Panagia Apsinthiotissa in Sychari, one from the Church of Panagia in Assia, while the fourth has not yet been identified.
In a greeting, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Vasiliki Anastasiadou, said that one of the icons was recently identified and belongs to the Church of Panagia in the occupied Assia village, in Famagusta district.
“The true value of the cultural heritage can only be estimated by having the full information on its origins, history and tradition,” said Mrs Anastasiadou and reminded that it is the duty of every state to protect the cultural heritage within its territory against risks of damage, theft, illicit excavation and illegal trade.
Finally, she thanked the chairperson and founder of the Walk of Truth NGO Tasoula Hadjitofi for her efforts to repatriate these cultural goods.
Tasoula Hadjitofi said that the presence of the Minister of Transport was a message of support to her and her organization.
“Today I would like you to meet all those people who helped me get here, because I could never have done it myself,” Mrs. Hatzotofi said in her brief welcome speech.
