THIRD FESTIVAL OF CYPRIOTE-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP OPENS IN LIMASSOL

LIMASSOL, June 8 (Itar-Tass) - A third festival of Cyprian-Russian friendship has opened in Cyprus. Its motto is "Cyprus-Russia: Traditions of Mutual Trust." About 10,000 Russian compatriots residing in Cyprus, foreign tourists and Cypriots gathered on Limassol's central embankment for the celebrations. In his opening address to the festival Cyprian President Dimitris Christofias said he was sure that such events were important not only for the Russians and Cypriots but also for representatives of other ethnic groups residing in Cyprus. "Cyprus has long been known as an open and friendly country, a country in which foreigners feel like home, a country in which local residents respect people of other nationalities, their history, culture and national traditions," the president went on to say. He added that the festival was just another opportunity to remember what wonderful relations have been linking Russia and Cyprus for years. The festival of Cyprian-Russian friendship is held in Cyprus annually. It is supported by the Russian embassy in Cyprus, the government of Moscow, the mayor's office of Limassol and the Russian-language weekly newspaper "Vestnik Kipra". More than 400 singers, musicians, dancers and artistic collectives from Russia and Cyprus will take part in the festival this year. Colourful fireworks will culminate the celebrations. The festival will last for two days. Small cafes of Cyprian and Russian cuisine as well as a fair of Russian and Cyprian goods will work on Limassol's embankment. The visitors will be able to see many musical and theatrical performances and enjoy an outdoor discotheque.