Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-06-13

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 13 June 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides leaves for Gothenburg
• [02] Kasoulides attends EU Ministerial Conference
• [03] Excavations reveal probably largest ancient theatre in Cyprus

[01] President Clerides leaves for Gothenburg

Speaking to the press at Larnaca Airport before his departure, the President said one of the subjects to be discussed will be that of the Irish no vote to enlargement, but that there were indications that a second referendum would take place, which would have a different outcome.

Asked about Cyprus' accession course to the EU, President Clerides said the island is a front-runner among the countries that will accede to the Union during its next enlargement.

He pointed out that there were still another three chapters on the verge of being closed, but added that some chapters wouldn't close for any country due to the French and German elections.

[02] Kasoulides attends EU Ministerial Conference

Cyprus' Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides represented Cyprus at the conference, at which the Swedish rotating presidency congratulated the Republic for the progress it had achieved so far in adopting the acquis communautaire.

During the meeting the Irish Foreign Minister Mr Brian Cowen gave assurances as to the support of his government and all political parties for the Nice Treaty and enlargement.

He explained that the no vote at the referendum was because 60% of the population did not turn up to vote and that mostly the non-supporters voted. He said that the problem would be overcome, that enlargement would continue, and that Ireland would not be calling for a renegotiation of the Nice Treaty.

[03] Excavations reveal probably largest ancient theatre in Cyprus

After six seasons of excavations, it is now clear that the theatre, built in about 300 BC, had a diameter of some 80m and that it must have had the capacity to hold about 8,000 people.

This has important implications for the size of the population of Paphos at the time, since it is supposed that only adult male citizens attended the theatre and major festivals.

Another major discover made is that when the theatre, which stood near one of the principal entrances to the city, the northeast gate, was badly damaged in the terrible earthquake of AD 365, many of the marble architectural elements from the stage building were re-used in the construction of the Christian basilica known as Ayia Kyriaki (Chrysopolitissa), which stands about 300 meters away. These include blocks of expensive imported marble, tall columns and elaborate capitals in the Corinthian order as well as sheets of marble veneer which were adapted for mosaic pavements.

Work at the theatre-site also involved the exploration of the medieval (12th - 16th century) structures, an important period in the life of Paphos and one of economic prosperity. Evidence of metal-work and the manufacture of fine decorated pottery, which was widely exported, particularly to the Holy Land, was also found.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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