Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-03-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] T/C - PROTEST AGAINST TURKEY

[02] STEPHANOU - RAF AKROTIRI - LIBYA

[03] EMILIOU - HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

[04] TWO HISTORIC CAR RALLIES

[01] T/C - PROTEST AGAINST TURKEY

According to estimations, around 40.000 people participated in todays rally. This massive rally was organized by the platform of Turkish Cypriot Trade Unions comprising approximately 30 trade unions and organizations. Political parties opposing the policy followed by the illegal government backed the event. The Platform demands civil and labour rights and the re-unification of Cyprus through a comprehensive solution. The demonstrators protested against the package of financial measures imposed to Turkish Cypriots by Turkey.

Participants were holding the same placards, with slogans against the Turkish government and Turkish Prime Minister as Peace and solution right now, Ankara take off your hands, We are Turkish Cypriots, who are you mr?.

The main slogan on the podium of the rally was There is no salvation for ourselves. All together or none of usť and also, Not to the administration with instructions. This country is ours, we will administrate it.

Turkish Cypriots held a mass rally on January 28 against the economic policy of the so called government in the occupied areas of Cyprus, in line with Ankaras directions.

The rally was organized by the Platform which is also demanding civil and labour rights and the re-unification of Cyprus. The demonstrators protested against the package of financial measures the illegal government, following Turkeys instructions, is trying to implement in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, namely President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu, are currently engaged in UN-led negotiations with an aim to reunify the island.

[02] STEPHANOU - RAF AKROTIRI - LIBYA

``Clarifications were requested and, based on these clarifications, for the time being there is no such issue,`` he said.

Replying to questions, Stephanou said that ``for the time being there is no such intention.``

Britain has retained two military bases in Cyprus after the country gained its independence in 1960 from British colonial rule.

[03] EMILIOU - HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Speaking at the A16th Session of the Human Rights Council, in Geneva, Emiliou said that ``we, along with the rest of the international community, have been following the events unfolding in Libya with shock and growing dismay.``

He added that the reported deaths of a high number of civilians, the use of live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators, the reported persecution and arbitrary arrests, the blocking of the internet and telecommunication networks were the reasons the European Union decided to request the convening of a Special Session of this Council, last week.

Emiliou also noted that ``the Government of Cyprus denounces the use of force and the violations of all inalienable human rights, including that of religious freedom and the right to freely practice ones religion, wherever they occur.``

[04] TWO HISTORIC CAR RALLIES

The event will be organized on March 13 and according to an announcement, the net income will be donated to Cyprus Anticancer Association.

It is also mentioned that on March 12 and 13 the Cyprus Historic Car Rally (Regularity) will also be held.

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