ORGANISATIONS that attended the Katalysmos celebrations in occupied Famagusta on May 31 have complained to the Radio and Television Broadcasting Authority, accusing Sigma channel of misinformation in reporting on the event.
According to a statement issued yesterday by several of the organisations that took part in the event, Sigma implied that Greek Cypriots who attended, including United Democrats’ leader George Vassiliou, former Communications and Works Minister Kikis Kazamais and former Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, had let themselves be used to promote tourism in the north.
The Sigma report said: “The occupation regime in its attempt to attract tourists has been organising festivities on the coastline of Famagusta to celebrate Kataklysmos. The event was attended by a number of Greek Cypriots and personalities who voted ‘yes’ in the recent referendum.”
The statement from the organisations involved, which included the Movement for the Reunification of Cyprus, Platform for a Solution and EU Now, the New Cyprus Association, and Socialists for a Solution, said the Sigma report was an insult to the people who attended the celebrations and those who gave speeches.
“These people were portrayed as if they had naively participated in an event organised by the occupation regime and were therefore fooled into attending and helping the ‘TRNC’ to attracted tourists,” the statement said.
The organisations also asked the Broadcasting Authority for access to statements by other television channels to see how they reported the event.
The controversial event was attended by around 4,000 people, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and was the first such gathering in 30 years.
Other groups taking part included the Famagusta Refugee Movement and the Force of the United Cyprus. Supporting the event was the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Turkish Cypriot Businessmen’s Association as well as local Turkish Cypriot organisations from the Famagusta area.
It was held at the Constantia Beach area, near what is now known as the Palm Beach, just outside the fenced-off area of the ghost town of Varosha.
The cultural programme included traditional Cypriot dancing and other cultural events, folklore, and poetry and song. There was also a traditional fair with stands and sweets.
