United Nations officials on Cyprus have announced completion of work on restoration of a major Muslim shrine in the Greek-Cypriot held part of the Mediterranean island.
U.N. Development Program officials called the repairs on the Hala Sultan Mosque part of the organization's continuing effort to foster a meaningful dialogue on Cyprus and improve understanding among cultures worldwide.
The mosque, on the shores of a salt lake near the city of Larnaca, is believed to mark the site of the grave of Umm Haram, a relative of the Prophet Mohammed, who died on Cyprus in the 7th century. It had been a major site of worship by the islands Muslims until the 1974 division of the island.
Turkish Cypriots regained access to the shrine in 2003, after crossing points were opened in the line dividing the island.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
