Armenian Church & Monastery complex restored in CyprusMarch 20, 2014 - 13:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 17, 2014, U.S. Ambassador John M. Koenig hosted an event to celebrate the restoration of the Armenian Church and Monastery complex in Nicosia, one of Cyprus’ most significant cultural heritage sites, KP Daily News reported. Through its partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United States Agency for International Development funded the multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, which brought Armenian Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots together with international experts. Between 2006 and 2013, architects, engineers, planners and crafts people restored the site to international standards, ensuring that it is preserved for future generations. “Fundamentally, there is no greater reflection of respect than assisting others to preserve their heritage. That respect is manifest in the work that was done here,” noted Ambassador Koenig in his remarks at the event, which included all of the representatives of all of the island’s religious communities. “The United States is a longstanding supporter of initiatives like this that demonstrate in the most tangible way how conservation and heritage can build bridges between fractured communities. Sharing the responsibility for preserving such incredible places builds trust and, through projects like this, Cypriots are building a better, more peaceful, future.” According to UNDP Program Manager Christopher Louise, the site with an architectural record of over 700 years is “evidence of the island’s rich and multicultural past. As important, it is now a restored symbol of Cyprus’ future where religion, culture and education can contribute to reconciliation.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Azerbaijan's defense spending set to increase by 11% Azerbaijan's spending on defense and national security will increase by 11%, according to a fresh bill. |