The Society of Cypriot Studies has successfully organized the opening ceremony of the history of the Nicosia Airport. At the ceremony attended amongst others, Mr Ieronimos, Mr Marios Mavrides – Member or Parliament, Mr Antonis Xadjiroussos – Representative of the Maronite Community in the Parliament, the Head of Command the Greek Army Forces in Cyprus and many others.
The President of the Society of Cypriot Studies (SCS) Dr. Charalambos C. Kotzakoglou congratulated the participants in his welcoming speech and set the will of the SCS to host the first ceremony regarding the Cypriot E.U. Precidency. The ceremony and the photographic exhibition of the Nicosia Airport has too many symbolisms and is regarded of great importance.
It refers to the historical anniversaries of the turkish invasion in 1974 and to the battles of resistance of the greek army. It also refers to the corresponding sacrifices of monks and of Archbishop Kyprianos on July 9th. This event states also that the city of Nicosia is the only capital of a state member of the E.U. that does not have an airport. Not that it does not exsist.
Of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, Rev. Mr Ieronimos stated at his opening speech that the ceremony has great historical importance, the history of the airport and its crucial strategic advantage of moving to and from the Eastern Mediterranean. He wished with faith and strength that we can see the Nicosia Airport becoming fully operational once again.
At his lecture, Mr. Andreas Kakoullis, Airspace Management Cell Coordinator spoke based on records of the Civil Aviation Authority and historic sources. He spoke about the start of air traffic in the region and eventually to the Airport of Nicosia. Also he mentioned about the “NIKI” operation of the Greek Airforce in 1974, about the defence of the Airport by the Greek Military and eventually to give the Airport to the Canadian UN Force.
Vice-president of SCS Dr. Ioannis Eliades introduced the author of the photographical exhibition, also presented a short biography and eventually let to the opening of Mr. Ioannis Liassides’ exhibition.
The exhibition room filled up quickly with people, and a reception was held at the balcony of the Old Archbishopric Building.