It is a great pleasure to join you for this fine event. An event highlighting the dynamic past of the Latinos in Cyprus, as demonstrated by their brilliant historical and cultural monuments, which are part of our overall heritage, as well as the excellent relations of their religious group with us.
And it is of course not only the monuments that offer strong evidence of the presence and role of the Latins in Cyprus since the beginning of the 12th century, it is also the multitude of historical records and reports that together make up a very interesting historical period, with strong evidence of the prevailing conditions in Europe at that time.
'Thus, there is no doubt that with their culture the Latins left a strong imprint on Cyprus, so much so that they have certainly inspired in a multidimensional way the students who have participated in the Artistic Creation Competition on the theme, precisely, of the Footprints of the Culture of the Latins in Cyprus'.
This competition, which was organised by the Directorates of Primary, Secondary General and Secondary Technical and Vocational Education of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Association "Religious Group of Latinos of Cyprus", gave the opportunity to many young people to study and appreciate the cultural heritage of the Latinos, a heritage that is an integral part of the overall heritage of Cyprus.
Several of the students' works are on display at tonight's exhibition, indicating the great interest generated by the theme of the competition, as well as the many and rich elements of the imprint of Latino culture in Cyprus.
I warmly congratulate the students who have participated, the teachers and officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth who have worked for the promotion and organization of the competition, the members of the Youth Department of the Association "Religious Group of Latinos of Cyprus", as well as the Representative of the Latin Community in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Antonella Mantovani, with whom my Office and I personally work closely to promote the various issues of concern to the Latin Religious Group.
Together we attach particular importance to the preservation and strengthening of their culture, as well as to any issue concerning cohesion and keeping Latinos in touch with their roots.
The Turkish invasion also dealt blows to the island's Latino community, and one of our primary goals is to address the consequences of this barbaric Attila's invasion, particularly by destroying churches and historical monuments that are part of our cultural heritage as a whole.
Unfortunately, the Turkish leadership and its authoritarian regime in Cyprus continue to provoke particularly with their negative and intransigent attitude, brutally violating international law. Let us hope that it will not be long before better conditions emerge that will allow for the finding of a viable and mutually acceptable solution in the interest of all our population, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.
As difficult as this may seem under the current conditions prevailing among the leaderships of the other side, we must work steadily in this direction, looking forward to a new and more promising era for our country.
Thank you and I wish you all the best.
(PM/NG/SX)
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