Nude Aphrodite on Cyprus passport causes controversy

[onager]

Goddess of Love emerges into foaming Cypriot row

NICOSIA (Reuters Life!) – She may be the ancient Greek Goddess of Love, but a picture of a nude Aphrodite on the new passport of Cyprus has set more than hearts racing.

Cypriot diplomats are furious with the interior ministry for failing to consult with the foreign ministry before issuing passports with a depiction of a naked immortal that might offend conservative foreign cultures.

"They are worried that civilians and diplomats could get into trouble, particularly traveling to very conservative Islamic countries," the authoritative Phileleftheros daily newspaper wrote on Thursday.

The interior ministry said it was too late to change them, the newspaper said.

Local legend says Aphrodite (also known as Venus to the ancient Romans) emerged from the sea on a crest of foam just off the Mediterranean island.

The image on the new biometric passports is modeled on a Greek marble statue of a completely naked Aphrodite in the Cyprus Museum located in the capital Nicosia.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101223/lf_nm_life/us_cyprus_aphrodite_passports

[HopeHoops]

1. So get sticky pads made up with a burka to cover her up.

[Hawkeye-X]

5. or just use the damn sharpie and cover the naughty parts.

[HopeHoops]

6. Nah - that would be nipple abuse. Use the sticky pads.

[meegbear]

2. Pagin John Ashcroft ...

[Hawkeye-X]

3. This thread is useless without pics

of the new passport... anyone know where to see 'em online?

[n2doc]

4. Well, at least that sounds more interesting to look at than our passports! n/t

[DCKit]

7. Jeebus, it's art, in it's highest form.

The Puritans are ruining everything. Can't stand the thought of anyone else having a bit of fun.

[Harry Loler]

8. An Actual Image

Finally an actual image of the statue, from a Cypriot postage stamp.



What's the big Deal?

[Harry Loler]

9. And an actual photo of the statue