THE CYPRUS representative of the Russian-based institution which plans to build the biggest statue in the world in Monagrouli hit back at critics of the project yesterday saying Cyprus should feel proud to be chosen.
The media in particular have been critical of the planned €100 million construction – the 135 metre statue of an angel with its arms outstretched will be accompanied by a massive complex – which has so far received no official backing from the state, except the blessing of Archbishop Chrysostomos who will be leasing out the land just outside Limassol.
The Cyprus representative of the International Club of Philanthropists and Patrons of Europe, Panicos Onoufriou, says he can’t understand why people are reacting so negatively.
“People should be proud that Cyprus was chosen for this construction,” he told the Cyprus Mail yesterday. “There were many countries in the running – including Panama and Greece, near Mount Athos – but Cyprus was chosen,” he said. “I personally represented Cyprus when the club members met to decide. I pointed out that there are a large number of tourists on the island that could bring in big revenue.”
According to Onoufriou, the complex will have two conference centres, one for over a thousand people and another, which will be a VIP conference area. It will have a concert hall, theatre and galleries for art work. It will also be supported by other buildings, such as restaurants and cafes.
“There are already plans for big events from abroad, mainly Russia through the club, which represents over 10,000 members in Russian and the former Soviet states,” he explained.
But he said in order for all this to materialise, the club – which boasts being a “new world of elite, successful people who have attained high spiritual development” with the third millennium in mind – needs funds.
“To fulfil its philanthropic goals, the club needs income and part of this income comes from investments,” he said. “The Church of Cyprus has income from business transactions. And a part of proceeds will be given to a number of charity organisations here in Cyprus, which I do not wish to name.”
Onoufriou added, “I saw some reports saying, ‘why don’t they give the money to people who need it?’ This is an investment; it will help the people through helping the state and the economy.”
Onoufriou said the statue, named “Kind Angel – the Keeper of the World”, was something that has been in the works for a few years now.
“This construction will include a statue of an angel, which is also symbolic. The angel will have open wings and underneath, there will be half a globe, which represents the good that they want to prevail in the world.”
Onoufriou said reports claiming the construction had received no official backing from the state were also misleading.
“We made an application to town-planning and got some preliminary views,” he explained. “Now we are in the process of implementing the conditions that were set by town-planning, such as environmental surveys and so on.”
Architects and civil engineers are now busy carrying out these surveys, said Onoufriou.
He said they are hoping to submit the final application to town-planning by the end of the year, so that work can start next.
The International Club of Philanthropists and Patrons of Europe, according to its member Panicos Onoufriou, started as a philanthropic institution, with very rich Russian businessmen as founders.
“It receives financial support from a school in Russia, but its income comes primarily from its members’ contributions and various investments,” he explained.
“Among others, the club has helped and paid for medical treatment for around 50 children with facial disfiguration. Emphasis is paid on the children. We have doctors who offer the club free services.”
