Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen (02.09.11) reports on the reactions by various organisations to the decision of UNFICYP not to allow celebrations for the “1st September Peace Day” within the buffer zone. According to the paper, yesterday evening a group of approximately 400 persons gathered at Kugulu Park in the occupied part of Lefkosia and marched to the buffer zone with songs and slogans.

Upon reaching Ledra Palace, they laid a black wreath in the entrance of the UN quarters and continued singing and dancing. Among the participating organizations were the following trade unions, and NGOs: Cyprus Turkish Teachers’ Trade Union (KTOS), Turkish Cypriot Secondary School Teachers’ Trade Union (KTOEOS), Customs Workers’ Union (GUC-SEN), Eastern Mediterranean University Unity and Solidarity Trade Union (DAU-BIRSEN), Cyprus Turkish Physicians’ Trade Union (TIP-IS), Press Labourer’s Trade Union (BASIN-SEN), Cyprus Turkish State Employees Trade Union (Cag-Sen), Baraka Cultural Centre, Barikat newspaper, Gelecek newspaper, Pir Sultan Abdal Association and the New Cyprus Party (YKP).

The paper also reports on a press conference that the 1st of September organizing committee gave in the buffer zone. The committee which consists of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot organizations organized the press conference in order to protest and express their disappointment for the decision of the UN forces not to allow the bi-communal activities to take place. The conference took place in the Community Media Centre (CCMC) and a declaration for the 1st of September and statements regarding the UN forces decision were read in Greek and Turkish. The declaration, which was signed by many organizations, expressed inter alia support to the ongoing negotiations and the wish to be continued in a constructive and intensive manner.