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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 13-10-22
CONTENTS
[01] UN rapporteur welcomes breakthrough for religious freedom in Cyprus
[01] UN rapporteur welcomes breakthrough for religious freedom in Cyprus
UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt,
has welcomed a key breakthrough in inter-faith communication reached by a
cross section of religious leaders on the whole of Cyprus, which allowed
Greek Orthodox and Muslim religious leaders to cross the demarcation line.
"These may seem like small steps, but they constitute a huge leap for
the religious communities concerned," Bielefeldt said, adding that he
was "very pleased about the recent positive developments and improved
climate of inter-religious communication in Cyprus" and that he considers
it to be "a breakthrough for religious freedom on the whole island."
A UN press release notes that on October 18, the Grand Mufti of Cyprus
Talip Atalay crossed the demarcation line and held service at Hala Sultan
Mosque near Larnaca for the first time. This was possible due to an
agreement reached with Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos
II, who personally facilitated Atalay's access to the areas controlled
by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
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