Κατάλογος Ονομάτων Χωρών και Πρωτευουσών

ii ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF ΤΗΕ CYPRUS PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR THE STANDARDIZATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES Mr. PRODROMOS VASILEIOU It is with great pleasure that I welcome this new edition of the List of Names of Countries and Capitals , published by the Cyprus Permanent Committee for the Standardization of Geographical Names. This work has been planned and worked out on the basis of the principles, the rules and the recommendations of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN), but also according to its needs, in complete agreement with its directives and parameters which are valid internationally. The List of Names of Countries and Capitals is the result of the hard collective efforts of all members of the Committee, who work with devotion, commitment and zeal, never avoiding to take pains in order to achieve the high targets and aspirations, which the national mission of the Cyprus Permanent Committee for the Standardization of Geographical Names brings with it. This edition is addressed to all those in Cyprus, Greece, and across the globe, who use the names of countries and capitals, with the aspiration to be used as an internationally standardized model for correct writing and spelling. Moreover, this work constitutes a means, and is a step towards an international cultural projection for the Republic of Cyprus, and as such, it strengthens its position internationally. Since its foundation, the Cyprus Permanent Committee for the Standardization of Geographical Names is working systematically and continuously for the protection and the promotion not only of standardization in general, but also of the legal and official geographical names of Cyprus, which are being consciously and systematically undermined by many. Towards this end, Cyprus participates unfailingly in all the relevant meetings and conferences of the United Nations(UN), as well as in the various subcommittees of the organization, making every possible contribution. For the same reasons, Cyprus takes part in and contributes to the team of UNGEGN. The full implementation of the resolutions of the UN is also an indispensable factor in our efforts, as is the preservation and establishment of the names of each country which form an integral part of its respective cultural heritage and traditions. It is therefore with enthusiasm that we shall continue our work in the future, trying to meet the recommendations of the UN for the Standardization of Geographical Names, as well as to promote whatever strengthens the stature of Cyprus, the tradition and respect of historical names. We express our warmest gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus for its support, wishing that this edition will be useful for the wider public in every respect.