Turkish Cypriots mark Kokkina anniversary

AROUND 350 Turkish Cypriots yesterday crossed through Limnitis to Kokkina to mark the 41st anniversary of intercommunal battles in the area.

In 1964 the Turkish Air Force bombed Greek Cypriot targets around the besieged Turkish Cypriot enclave of Kokkina, in the most serious incident during the intercommunal troubles.

Yesterday, the Turkish Cypriots crossed over in 26 buses while another 50 or so arrived by boat and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat and other officials arrived in two helicopters.

Crossing began at around 8.30am and two hours later everyone had crossed. The buses were escorted by Cyprus police and members of UNFICYP. The convoy returned to the north around 2pm.

Greek Cypriot residents of the area held a protest asking for the Limnitis crossing point to be permanently opened and not just to accommodate annual visits by Turkish Cypriots.

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