The Olympic Flame, symbol of peace, arrived Nicosia on July 8 afternoon and was greeted by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and hundreds of people who were touched to see it in their city.

The Olympic Flame traversed the city and ended up at the Presidential Palace where Papadopoulos, thronged by government officials and people who went to the Palace to witness the flame, welcomed athlete Iro Mitsidou, who carried the Flame.

In statements, Cyprus President said that the Olympic Flame is a symbol of peace and virtue, and underlined the great symbolism for Cyprus, as it is the last stop in the Flame's international journey, before it returns to its homeland, Greece.

The torch arrived earlier in the day at Paphos and travelled toLimassol before ending up in Nicosia, the last stop of the day before it embarks on its second day Friday, to the eastern part ofthe island. The Flame will visit Paralimni and then Larnaca, before departing for Crete.

The first torch bearer of Nicosia was Klea Papaellina, member of the Cyprus Olympic Committee and a Fair Play ambassador.

This morning the Olympic flame flew to Cyprus, the last destination of the International leg of the Olympic Torch Relay.

Source: Xinhua