Cyprus
Independence from the UK was approved in 1960 with constitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led talks on the status of Cyprus resumed in December 1999 to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement.

Cyprus is about 0.6 times the size of Connecticu. The climate is temperate with hot, dry summers and cool winters .

Recipes

Saltsa Domata - Condiments
(Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients:
1.8kg/4 lb ripe tomatoes
115g/4 oz butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
225ml/8 fl oz water
8cm/3 in cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 tablespoons sugar
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Peel, seed and chop the tomatoes. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion and cook gently for about 10 minutes, until transparent. Add the tomatoes, water, cinnamon, whole cloves, bay leaf and sugar to taste. Cook gently for about 35 to 45 minutes until the sauce is soft and thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and discard the cinnamon stick, the cloves and the bay leaf. Use immediately or transfer to a sealed, sterilised jar and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.


Marinated Olives - Condiments

Ingredients:
450g/1 lb green olives, cracked
2 tablespoons coarsely crushed coriander seeds
2 cloves garlic, crushed
juice of 1 lemon
60 ml/2 fl oz olive oil

Directions
Crack the olives by hitting them sharply with the flat of a cleaver or meat mallet. Place in a bowl or a jar and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well and marinate for 1-2 hours. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and bring to room temperature before serving.