Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Cypriots scheduled to visit Turkish occupied areas

1400:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Greek Cypriots scheduled to visit Turkish occupied areas

Speaking to CNA, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues, Takis Christopoulos, said that around 700 Greek Cypriots will be able to visit the monastery this Sunday, to celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter.

"More than 1.000 people have applied for the visit," Christopoulos said, noting that priority will be given to the relatives of some 500 Greek Cypriots living in the Karpass peninsula since the Turkish invasion and occupation of part of the island in 1974.

The other visits are scheduled for August 15, Annunciation of the Virgin, and November 30, Saint Andrew's day, two of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar.

Christopoulos expressed hope these visits will be the beginning of continuous communication between the two communities in Cyprus, adding they prove that Greek Cypriots have no problem with their Turkish Cypriot compatriots.

"We are all ready to work together for a happy and prosperous Cyprus, for all its inhabitants, regardless of nationality, race or religion," Christopoulos said.

Referring to the visit of about 400 Turkish Cypriots to the free areas, last Saturday, for a pilgrimage to Larnaca's Hala Sultan Tekke, the Commissioner said many Turkish Cypriots wanted to see other parts of the southern coastal town but this was difficult because it was not it the schedule and they were too many to accommodate.

Christopoulos added, however, that in cooperation with the UN he will try to arrange visits of smaller groups from both communities to different parts of Cyprus, in the future.

Hala Sultan Tekke is one of the holiest Muslim places of worship in the world, as it is said the aunt of Prophet Mohammed, Umn Haram, is buried there.

The Commissioner described the greeting by Greek Cypriot women to the Turkish Cypriots, last Saturday, as "deeply emotional."

Black-clad Greek Cypriot women greeted the Turkish Cypriots passing through the Ledra Palace checkpoint, the only place through which one can cross into the Turkish occupied part of the island, with olive branches and a note calling on them to work with them for the reunification of the island.

"This shows the Turkish Cypriots and the world that we're all Cypriots regardless of religion or nationality," Christopoulos said.

CNA MK/MH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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