British MPs to Clean up Desecrated Churches in the Occupied Areas

A group of British MPs and volunteers is to take part in a two day clean- up session of desecrated churches and cemeteries in the occupied areas of Cyprus, Conservative MP and Chairman of the British All Party Parliamentary Group on Cyprus David Burrowes has announced. 

The proposed clean up session of a total of 18 churches and cemeteries is scheduled to take place between 9th and 13th May, cleaning days May 10 and May 11. The Cyprus Church will fund the initiative. A drive has already begun in London to recruit volunteers. 

The decision of the clean up session was taken following a visit by British MPs to the occupied areas where they witnessed the destruction of churches, cemeteries and other religious shrines. Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN led talks have been underway with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof. 

The occupation regime in an effort to erase all Greek or Christian elements from the occupied areas has, from 1974 destroyed archeological sites, cemeteries and mainly churches. 

(source: cna)