Cemetery restorations ‘deeply symbolic for a place which seeks reconciliation’

The maintenance and restoration of cemeteries “is one of the most deeply symbolic and morally compelling actions for a place which seeks reconciliation,” bicommunal technical committee on cultural heritage co-chairman Sotos Ktoris said on Friday.

He described it as “an act of respect for the memory of the dead and for human dignity”.

However, he said, at present, “the current state of most cemeteries throughout Cyprus, both Christian and Muslim, is disappointing, in some cases shameful.

“Abandonment, decay, vandalism, silence. This image offends us all. It fuels feelings of bitterness, reinforces suspicion between the two communities, and undermines the effort to build mutual trust.”

On this matter, he said the decision of President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to proceed with actions to restore cemeteries “carries strong positive symbolism”.

“It sends a message that the dead of all communities deserve memory and dignity, and that we the living have a duty to ensure this. The protection of cemeteries is an act of reconciliation and a sign of civilisation. It is silent, but a powerful step towards peace,” he said.

Earlier, Ktoris’ co-chairman Ali Tuncay told the Cyprus Mail that the committee is “honoured that the leaders have trusted us and given this important task” to it.

The restoration of cemeteries was one of a number of plans unveiled at the conclusion of last month’s enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem which took place in Geneva.

At the time, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “meaningful progress” had been achieved, and that the talks had been conducted in a “new atmosphere” with a “sense of urgency” demonstrated by all sides.