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Determination and cynicism mark UDI protests

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A previous student demonstration against occupation

University and high school students on Monday marched all over Nicosia to protest against the November 15, 1983 unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) in the north while calling for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

High school students’ organisation Psem, university students’ federation Pofen and Disy’s university youth wing Protoporia were all involved in the capital’s demonstrations, which took place at the green line in Ayios Kassianos, in the Kaimakli area of Mia Milia and in central Nicosia close to the Ledra St crossing.

Members of Pofen marched from the Famagusta Gate moat to the Orpheas barrier on the Green Line, where a delegation of students led by the organisation’s president Maria Tziamali delivered a memo to members of the peacekeeping force (Unficyp) at the barrier, as they do every year on November 15.

“We do not forget, we will never forget,” Tziamali told the Cyprus Mail.

“As we do every year, our objective is a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bicommunal, bizonal federation.

To the notes of “Ammochostos”, a song that has become an anthem for Greek Cypriots on November 15 and that was performed live by singer and composer Stelios Xiotis outside the Green Line, Pofen condemned Turkey for their actions, both past and present.

“No one can forgive Turkey for what it did to Cyprus. And it hurts even more to witness that they have not stopped provoking our country, with the re-opening of Varosha being the latest example,” Tziamali said.

“Real patriotism is recognising every strategy or plan that Turkey comes up with regarding Cyprus as a threat, because that is what they are.”

The biggest gathering of students, however, took place in the area of Mia Milia in Kaimakli, where thousands of students reiterated their calls for a substantial and decisive dialogue for a settlement.

“Every year, this day we call for a solution on the problem, one that restores the faith in democracy for Cypriots,” Marios Constantinou, a high-school student demonstrating during the march told Cyprus Mail.

“Greek Cypriots have always shown goodwill to find a solution, we are still witing for the same thing on the Turkish side,” Elena Tsangaridou, another high-school student, added.

ledra 2
Demonstration at the Ledra St crossing point in Nicosia

However, Psem also released a statement on Monday expressing concerns over the lack of communication on both sides.

“The absence of negotiations and the impasse we reached over the last years is worrying,” the statement said.

“After witnessing both sides constantly blaming one another, us the students, are calling for an immediate resumption of talks under the principles of democracy and the rule of law.”

Student events were also held in Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta and Paphos, Psem added.

Secondary school teachers’ union Oelmek also released a statement on Monday, saying it is the duty of all the citizens in the island to deliver a free country to the future generations.

“Our children and grandchildren deserve a united homeland, one where Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together in harmony, without hatred and intolerance,” the union said.

However, despite Psem’s and Oelmek’s good intentions on the day, many taking part in the demonstrations around the capital did not seem particularly interested in what November 15 represents for Cyprus, especially in central Nicosia, where shops and cafes around Ledras were packed with students taking advantage of not having to go to school.

“Every year is the same, we repeat the same things to absolutely no avail,” a high-school student from the Acropolis lyceum Strovolos, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Cyprus Mail.

“I got tired of this situation and of the rhetoric surrounding this day, so I’d rather spend it having a coffee or a meal out instead of hoping for something to change.”

“Nothing will ever change, as both Greek and Turkish Cypriots seem to actually be okay with the status quo,” Andreas Kyriacou, another high-school student in Nicosia, said.

“One day, when I am very old, maybe something will be different. But I will not see the end of the Cyprus problems any time soon, of that I’m sure. Not until both sides manage to sit down and talk to each other in a civil way.”

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Protest goes past other students having a coffee
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