Cyprus [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION Allow us, dear reader, to introduce you to Cyprus. The land of9fi00 years of civilisation, the island of love and light but also of political vicissitudes resulting unavoidably in insecurity, thwarted hopes and misery for its people. When Cyprus became independent in 1960, following a four-year valiant anti-colonial struggle, it began to taste the sweet fruits of progress and economic prosperity that the untiring efforts of its hardworking people bestowed on her. At the same time it tasted the bitter fruits of intercommunal strife which culminated in Turkey's invasion of Cyprus and the occupation of over a third of its territory. Through the pages of this book you will experience Cyprus mentally and visually and understand that this little land is nothing less than unique in her bringing together of ancient, classical, Byzantine and contemporary influences and elements. With words and pictures, this album aims to transport you through towns and villages to the glorious countryside of this Mediterranean island with a difference. At the same time it will lead you step by step through the tempest of its history and furnish you with the facts and figures of the economic and the current political situation of Cyprus. We Cypriots have the optimism that our survival over the millennia has bestowed on us. Keenly aware that our political troubles are not yet over, we hope and trust that in a world which amidst great difficulties is searching for new answers to old problems and envisions the emergence of a more just and humane future for the peoples of the earth, the rule of law will prevail in our country too. We believe that our accession to the European Union, which is the natural outcome of Cyprus' history and culture, will be a catalyst in establishing a permanent peace in Cyprus for the benefit of the Cypriot people as a whole.