TURKISH Cypriot parties and organisations yesterday announced they were preparing an action plan to force Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to resign.

THE Government said yesterday it was delaying the announcement of a package of measures to support the Turkish Cypriot community after “certain factors” emerged that required further consultation, Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides said yesterday.

FORMER House president Alexis Galanos said yesterday the Greek Cypriot side should not accept Rauf Denktash as Turkish Cypriot negotiator, saying it would be a waste of time, and could be dangerous.

Denktash’s popularity in the north has been in freefall since the European Union summit in Copenhagen, at which Cyprus secured an invitation to join the bloc.

A 23-YEAR-old Turkish Cypriot refused treatment in Turkey after he was beaten by his officer during military service has gone back to the north where he is recovering after a kidney transplant at the Paraskevaidion Surgical and Transplant Foundation two weeks ago.

“I will fight for my rights and for justice.” The words of battling shopkeeper, Eleni Kondiadou, who led a group of angry merchants to force an end to the ‘plastic’ money strike that was crippling their Christmas sales.

CYPRUS will need more civil servants to provide greater protection for citizens and the environment as it joins the European Union, Law Commissioner and head of EU affairs at the Legal Services, Leda Koursoumba, said yesterday.

THE FINANCE Ministry has approved an agreement with employees of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), averting strike action in the new year.

Union leaders and EAC administration had signed their 2001-2003 budget agreement in July, sending it to the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for the required approval.

ADVOCATES for foreign workers are keeping a close watch on the Interior Ministry this week, as it proposes measures for limiting the number of non-Europeans working in Cyprus.

CONSUMERS should think twice before venturing out to shop for basic provisions, the Consumers Association warned yesterday, saying that with prices fluctuating more than 40 per cent from one supermarket to another, consumers were being taken for a ride and would be wise to consider shopping in cheaper stores.