Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-06-14

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Room for rapprochement in Turkey

[02] Trade Minister in Poland

[03] Taxi drivers ease airport blockade - calm restored

1150:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Room for rapprochement in Turkey

Nicosia, Jun 14 (CNA) -- There is ground in Turkey for the promotion of the idea of peaceful reconciliation and co-existence of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus, even though the divisionist policy, officially encouraged by the state, is predominant.

This was pointed out by Greek Cypriot film director, Panikos Chrysanthou and Turkish Cypriot academic Niyazi Kizilyurek, who received earlier this month the Ipekci prize for "Peace and Friendship" for their film "Our Wall" in a special ceremony in Turkey.

In an interview with CNA, Chrysanthou said "the prize opens the way for contacts in Turkey with persons positively inclined towards the idea of rapprochement."

He said work towards rapprochement between the two communities takes place in Cyprus "despite certain difficulties we face", and contacts have also been made in Greece. "This was, however, the first time we had access to Turkey", he stressed.

"In making the film, our objective was to spread a message of peace and coexistence in a unified Cyprus, and this came across by the fact that two so-called 'enemies' got together to create a piece of art," Chrysanthou said.

The film, which was well-received by critics abroad, portrays the Cyprus problem through the personal experiences of people from both communities on the island.

Referring to the great influence of the divisionist policy promoted by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, in Turkey, Chrysanthou criticised a section of the Greek Cypriot side for believing all Turks "to be the same".

"We ignore that there are Turks who struggle for democracy and human rights, they even fight for justice in Cyprus. People who have been imprisoned and are being persecuted for their beliefs and ideas," he explained.

Chrysanthou stressed that there are people in Turkey, from different political and ideological backgrounds, including Islamists, who dare to criticize their country's policy over Cyprus and "support that all Turkish troops should withdraw from the island and a peaceful solution should be reached."

"Even the Islamists do not form a solid group", he said, noting that there are groups "who differentiate their stance from Erbakan's policy, and seek to have contact with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Constantinople (Istanbul)."

Chrysanthou noted that the majority of these people do not know many details about the Cyprus problem and especially the way Greek Cypriots think. "Only negative messages reach them," he said.

"I criticised Denktash's divisionist policy and described the feelings of a refugee forced to flee his home against his will. I found them to be understanding to Greek Cypriot sensitivities," he added.

The Greek Cypriot film director said the presence of Turkish Cypriots at the prize giving ceremony was particularly touching.

The importance of presenting the joint work of a Greek and a Turkish Cypriot to a Turkish audience was also pointed out by Kizilyurek, who stressed there was an opportunity for a "different voice" to be heard in Turkey.

Noting that opinions on Cyprus, which differ from the official state policy, are hardly heard in Turkey "for obvious reasons", Kizilyurek, said "this is why there is ignorance and prejudice concerning the situation in Cyprus."

"We had an opportunity to show that Turkish Cypriot opposition to Denktash and the majority of Greek Cypriots believe in peaceful coexistence on this island," he said.

"It was the first time a Greek and a Turkish Cypriot went to Turkey to present a piece of work they produced together", Kizilyurek said, adding that many journalists and academics expressed their desire to help promote the film.

During their stay in Turkey, Kizilyurek and Chrysanthou also had the chance to meet with Patriarch Bartholomeos, whom they described as a "pious man of God, truly dedicated to the teachings of the Christian religion."

"The Patriarch was extremely pleased with our meeting and expressed appreciation for our work", Kizilyurek said, noting that he spoke to him in Turkish and to Chrysanthou in Greek.

"He sees his Christian mission as one of love and peace", the Greek Cypriot film director added, pointing out that the Patriarch read extracts from the Holy Bible praising peacemakers and calling them "blessed" and "children of God".

"Both Greeks and Turks speak with great respect about the Patriarch," Chrysanthou said, adding that he is involved in meetings and seminars with progressive Islamic groups as well as environmentalist activities.

The makers of "Our Wall" agree there are evident difficulties in cultivating a spirit of peace and reconciliation in Turkey, but do not see these obstacles as insurmountable.

"We are satisfied because with our film we managed to convey a message of solidarity and reconciliation," Kizilyurek told CNA.

Echoing his words, Chrysanthou added "when you see how people approach you when you send such messages you feel strong enough to break all taboos."

CNA MCH/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1325:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Trade Minister in Poland

The visit takes place on the occasion of the international fair at Pozan.

In Warsaw, Christofi will hold meetings with Kaczmarek, Minister of the Committee for the European Union, Danuda Herbner, Minister of Tourism, Stefan Paszczyk, and deputy Minister of Commerce, Janm Chaladaj.

During his talks, Christofi and the Polish ministers will examine ways to boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

CNA EC/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1350:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Taxi drivers ease airport blockade - calm restored

Police are out in force, in and around the airport, to ensure travellers are not obstructed to get to the airport. So far, things are running smoothly and police in the area did not have to interfere with the disgruntled taxi drivers.

"We shall stay put and continue our strike throughout Cyprus until our demand not to grant more licences to some 250 drivers is met," a spokesman for the taxi drivers here said today.

He also said the drivers do not want to obstruct passengers or tourists arriving in Cyprus but insist they will continue their protests until they are vindicated.

Yesterday minor scuffles broke out between police and the taxi drivers when police officers tried to move out of the way some 100 drivers who were blocking access to the airport.

The association of taxi drivers is expected to hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the matter.

CNA MM/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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