Association of Martyrs Families and War Veterans gave a letter of condemnation to the soldier of UN Peace Force in Cyprus at Ledra Palace checkpoint to be forwarded to the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus Lisa Buttenheim. In the letter, they condemned the European Parliament for blaming the Turkish Cypriot side claiming that remains of Greek Cypriot missing persons were moved from their  bury places in Paşaköy.

Stating that European Parliament’s resolution means making policy over missing persons, Association of Martyrs Families and War Veterans called the European Parliament to cancel it’s decision in order to preserve their objectivity in such a humanistic issue.

The “Civil Society in Action Week” which was organized by the EU Commission from 24 to 27 February 2015 started yesterday in the buffer zone in order to highlight the mission and the role of non-governmental organisations in Cyprus.  The Four-day event opened with the promotion of projects of 10 non-governmental organisations in the TRNC and their partners that have been awarded EU funding for their projects under the “Civil Society in Action IV grant scheme” in the Home for Cooperation. The coordinator of the EU Commission’s Aid Programme for Turkish Cypriots, Alessandra Viezzer who made a speech at the event said that the slogan “Be Aware – Give Back – Raise Your Voice” aims at raising awareness on peace, environment and human rights issues in Cyprus.

Association of Martyrs Families and War Veterans condemned the European Parliament for blaming the Turkish Cypriot side claiming that remains of Greek Cypriot missing persons were moved from their  bury places in Paşaköy.

Stating that European Parliament’s resolution means making policy over missing persons, Association of Martyrs Families and War Veterans called the European Parliament to cancel it’s decision in order to preserve their objectivity in such a humanistic issue.

In his written statement, President of the Association Ertan Ersan stated that it is a clear proof that the EP’s decision is unilateral and the Turkish Cypriot missing persons are not examined under equal basis with Greek Cypriot missing persons in the EU.

Ersan reminded that on 14 August 1974, 84 Turkish Cypriot men were taken from Taşkent, Terazi and Tatlısu villages and were boarded on the two busses and killed by Greek Cypriots The area of their bodies were changed because of the road works and taken to a mine, even the bones of these martyrs were broken by a  bulldozer. In 2011 it was stated to the press by the Greek Cypriots who witnessed to this event and have information about the event.

Furthermore, Ersan stated that the same issue was also mentioned in the press statement of UN representative at the Committee on Missing Persons, Paul Henri Arni, on 18 February.

Deputy Prime Ministry and Economy, Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministry Coordinator Orçun Kamalı reminded that with the Halloumi registry, the portion of the milk of small cattle will become more important and indicated that in this concern, small cattle producers are carrying out studies to increase the milk production.

Kamalı made an evaluation meeting with the authorities of Chamber of Industry yesterday about new government supports for exports to the EU countries, Halloumi supervision and the cooperation between the Deputy Prime Ministry and Economy, Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry. In his speech at the meeting, Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry President Ali Çıralı summarized Greek Cypriot side’s actions about Halloumi’s geographical registry and stated that they are against to Greek Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment’s being Halloumi’s registry office. Stating that there needs to be Turkish Cypriot Non-Governmental Organizations on the supervision council which will be assigned by EU, Çıralı also recorded that an authority of Greek Cypriot Administration will lead to abuses. Pointing out that Halloumi export is one fourth of the total exports of the country, Çıralı recorded that Halloumi is the mainstay of 17% of the population.

An exhibition about the life of Hacı Ali Rıfkı who was a Mufti during 1800s in Cyprus is going to be organized. Exhibition which includes the art objects and visuals belonging the period, will be realized with cooperation of Girne American University (GAU) and Cyprus American University (CAU). According to the information given by the GAU, the exhibition will be opened in Arabahmet on 27 February Friday. The exhibition which will be prepared by using Mufti Hacı Ali Rıfkı’s family archives will include WW1 and WW2, Ottoman and British period witnesses and architectural styles. In the exhibition, Cyprus Republic’s first days and struggle years between 1963 and 1975 will be reflected as well. Exhibition which will include collective and individual works of some artists will be open to visit until 14 March.

The official process for the Presidential Election which will take place on 19 April in the TRNC has started yesterday. Electoral prohibitions which will be valid until announcement of election results have entered into force start from yesterday. During this process, a series of prohibitions will be implemented to the state and government officials and public officers.

Supreme Committee of Elections, with its 2 numbered announcement, stated that President Election process has been started yesterday and reminded election prohibitions.

3rd Traditional Eco Day will be held on 1st of March, Sunday in Bağlıköy which is one of the oldest villages of Cyprus having many historical, cultural and natural assets of the country. Various cultural and artistic activities will be organized and there will be nature walks to the bat cave. Those who attend to the Eco day will be able to taste the authentic Cypriot products and Bağlıköy’s special Hellim made by the village women and will be able watch Hellim producing.

There will be various violin concerts and folk dances throughout the day in the Eco Day.