The recent discovery of many stolen icons in South Cyprus in the possession of Greek Cypriot persons has uncovered the true state of affairs with regard to the protection of cultural heritage in the island. The Greek Cypriot administration who has made a habit of falsely accusing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus of plundering historical monuments, is now fully answerable for these large-scale illegal acts taking place in South Cyprus.

According to Greek Cypriot daily Fileleftheros of 23 September 1998, two Greek Cypriots were taken into custody in connection with the theft of icons from churches in the Limassol area in South Cyprus. Greek Cypriot police found 32 icons in a house belonging to one of the suspects. Cyprus Mail of 24 September reported that a third Greek Cypriot involved in the same case was arrested by the Greek Cypriot police. In Paphos, three other Greek Cypriots were remanded in connection with theft of icons from churches in that area. Police in South Cyprus will reportedly conduct a further investigation in an attempt to recover large number of historic icons believed to be in the possession of certain Greek Cypriots residing in Nicosia and Peristerona.

The Greek Cypriot side would be well advised to stop exploiting the issue of preservation of cultural property but rather concentrate its efforts towards the prevention of theft and smuggling of objects of archaeological value from its territory. The Turkish Cypriot side within its limited budget effectively administers measures to control and preserve the cultural wealth of the island.

      (Cyprus Mail 24 Dec 1980) STOLEN MOSAIC RECOVERED IN LONDON; 

      Cyprus Weekly, 24-30 January 1986 ARREST MADE OVER ICONS -
      ANDREAS COSTA KYRIAKOU OF PAPTHOS WAS ARRESTED, AND IS
      HELD  IN CONNECTION WITH A BREAK IN INTO THE CHAPEL OF ST
      GEORGE TERATSIOLIS NEAR AVGOROU.

      CYPRUS PLEA TO INTERPOL - INTERPOL IS ASKED TO APPREHEND
      YIANGOS SOLOMOU, A GREEK CYPRIOT RESIDENT OF BRITAIN,
      RECENTLY LIVING IN AVGTHOROU, IN CONNECTION WITH THE
      THEFT OF A NUMBER OF ICONS AND GOLD PLATED OIL CANDLE
      HOLDERS FROM A CHAPEL