Paphos parties urge government to monitor gypsy influx

A CO-ORDINATING committee of political parties and organisations met in Paphos yesterday to discuss the recent influx of gypsies from the occupied north.

Three of the organisations demanded the meeting be cancelled because it would put across the wrong message, but other members felt the issue should be discussed since the recent arrival of gypsies over the past fortnight had caused some problems.

The chairman of the committee, Paphos Mayor Phedias Saricas, said afterwards there was no particular problem in Paphos and that the committee was not against the arrival of gypsies. But he urged the government to ensure the new arrivals are Turkish Cypriots, not Turks.

The committee believes the situation is under control, he said, but there is also a general feeling that Paphos is not ready for the influx of gypsies. Most committee members felt the meeting was a rushed decision and might convey feelings of racism and xenophobia. They plan to watch developments and monitor measures taken by the government.

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