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Thursday, 19 December 2024
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-01-31Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
1325:CYPPRESS:01[01] Turkish Cypriots visit mosque in free areasNicosia, Jan 31 (CNA) -- More than 1.280 Turkish Cypriot pilgrims crossed the Green Line today to visit the Hala Soultan mosque in Larnaca to celebrate Sheker Bayram, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.Around 28 buses collected the Turkish Cypriots as soon as they passed into the government controlled areas and took them to the Hala Soultan Tekke, which is considered to be the holiest Islamic shrine after Mekka and Medina. Pilgrims were deeply touched by the visit. For some it was the first time to visit the mosque. The older Turkish Cypriots noted the mosque was kept in a good condition. The Hala Sultan Tekke, located on the shore of Larnaca's Salt Lake, was built in memory of Umm Haram, an aunt of Prophet Mohammed. After the island's Turkish invasion in 1974, thousands of Turkish Cypriots became refugees and were obliged to move to the occupied areas in the north of Cyprus. CNA MAN/KN/MCH/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1525:CYPPRESS:02[02] No need for military base if Turkey respects UN resolutionsNicosia, Jan 31 (CNA) -- There would have been no need for a military base if Turkey complied with UN Security Council Resolutions, calling for the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus.This was pointed out, here, today, by Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, commenting on a letter by Turkish representative to the UN Secretary General. Husseyin Celem accuses the Cyprus government of increased armaments and disregard of the 1960 Treaties, establishing the Republic of Cyprus. "Had Turkey advised Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to discuss President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for demilitarisation there would have been no need to construct a military base", he added. Kasoulides pointed out that the Cyprus Republic has the legal right and obligation to defend itself, especially as a result of the presence of Turkish occupation troops in the northern occupied part of the island. He also dismissed Turkey's allegations that it can act as a guarantor power, according to a relevant 1960 Treaty, pointing out that Turkey has violated it by its invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus and its recognition of the illegal entity unilaterally declared as a result. Cyprus' permanent representative to the UN Security Council has briefed the body's President on the issue, Kasoulides added. CNA MCH/KN/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCNA ENDSCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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