Cyprus was represented for the first time at the Culture Council by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Yannis Toumazi, who then left for the Netherlands for contacts with cultural institutions and organisations. Until recently, the country was represented at the Culture Councils by the Minister of Education.
The Council's work focused on support and solidarity with Ukraine in the field of culture, including cultural heritage. The Council was physically attended by the Ukrainian Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko.
In his intervention, the Deputy Minister of Culture expressed Cyprus' full support to Ukraine, stressing that Cyprus is experiencing the effects of the war on culture and cultural heritage due to the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation.
He also referred to the possibilities for supporting Ukraine's cultural and creative sector by providing expertise on issues related to the fight against trafficking and illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, as well as assessing the state of the country's monuments. He added that Cyprus is on the alert for immediate action in case stolen antiquities or cultural property from Ukraine are identified, noting that the country can also provide support through the Cypriot expert participating in a relevant UNESCO Commission.
In this context, he pointed out the need for assistance for the conservation and preservation of affected monuments and cultural property to be geared towards achieving substantial, long-term and sustainable results.
Dr. Tumazis also said that the Deputy Ministry is in cooperation with the National Crisis Management Unit of the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is exploring possibilities for supporting the Ukrainian people and their urgent needs, including in the cultural sector. He concluded by calling on EU Member States to ratify the "Nicosia Convention", which provides for the criminalisation of offences of destruction, trafficking and trafficking in cultural property.
During the Council's work, ministers also adopted a resolution on the Work Programme for Culture 2023-2026, which includes priorities for cooperation in the field of culture, including cultural heritage, as well as a significant number of actions expected to be implemented by 2026.
The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU also presented the Progress Report on the Media Freedom Regulation, which reflects the reception of this Regulation by the Member States and their position with regard to its main points.
Dr. Toumazis pointed out that the Media Freedom Regulation will contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Europe, noting Cyprus' intention to make a constructive contribution to the discussions that will follow.
After the conclusion of the Council's work, Mr. Toumazis travelled to the Netherlands for contacts with cultural institutions and organisations. The Deputy Minister of Culture will also visit the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, of which he is a graduate, where, inter alia, he will have the opportunity to meet and talk to Cypriot and other students.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
