Cyprus President received by the Pope

1815:CYPPRESS:06

Cyprus President received by the Pope by Maria Koniotou

Vatican City, Mar 27 (CNA) --- Pope Benedict XVI granted Friday an audience to Cyprus President Demetris Christofias at the .

President Christofias, who is paying Vatican an official visit, was received by the Pope earlier today. Initially, the two held a private conversation and were subsequently joined by their respective delegations.

The Cypriot President offered the Pope a copy of an amphora of 750-600 B.C, found in the area of Goudi, which portrays a goat and a lion.

Pope Benedict XVI offered President Christofias a golden Pontificate medal, which depicts the Pope, given to heads of states.

Later on, President Christofias met with Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Artchbishop Dominique Nanberti Secretary for Relations with State.

During his visit with with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone President Christofias extended an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Cyprus before visiting Israel in May.

CNA has learnt that Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone noted that the Pope would like to pay an exclusive visit to Cyprus in due time. The issue will be further discussed.

President Christofias and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone discussed about the destruction of the cultural heritage in Cyprus by the Turkish occupation army, which occupies one third of the island’s territory since 1974.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said that the cultural and religious heritage in the occupied areas of Cyprus is part of the world cultural heritage and should be protected. Turks, he added, should show interest in preserving this heritage.

At the meeting, they also discussed Turkey’s EU accession course and both sides said that this course depends on the progress achieved in the Cyprus problem and the respect of human rights in Turkey and Cyprus. Present at the meeting was among others, Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou.

Cyprus President decorated later on his Eminence Tarcisio Bertone with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus, expressing Cyprus’ gradidute towards his support for a just solution of the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile, the Vatican issued an official press release which says that “the Holly Father Benedict XVI received in audience President Demetris Christofias of the Republic of Cyprus. The President subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone SDB and Dominique Nanberti Secretary for Relations with State”.

“The cordial discussions focused on certain questions concerning the situation in the country and its future”, it is added.

The press release notes that “for his part, President Christofias illustrated the conditions of many churches and Christian buildings in the north of the island. The two sides expressed their mutual hope that the ongoing negotiations between the parties may reach a solution to the longstanding questions of Cyprus”.

“Ideas were also exchanged on the international situation regarding among other things the continent of Africa. Finally, emphasis was given to the importance of good relations between Catholics and Orthodox and between Catholics and Muslims, who are all called to work together for the good of society and for peaceful coexistence among peoples”, the press release concludes. CNA/MK/MAN/AAR/2009 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

27/03/2009