Greeks Accused Of Provocation

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30366, 15 February 1964, Page 13

Greeks Accused Of Provocation

(N.Z.P.A .-Route’’—Copyright) LIMASSOL, February 14. he Greek side launched a deliberate attack,” said the British truce commander in Cyprus (MajorGeneral Peter Young) referring to renewed fighting in Limassol today. Hundreds of men were involved in the fighting, mostly armed irregulars dressed in civilian clothes. Bren-gun and rifle fire was heard on all sides.

“This morning in Ihe early hours the Greek side launched a deliberate attack supported by a homemade tank, an armoured bulldozer and assorted offensive weapons such as bazookas,” said General Young.

He said that after some 36 hours of exchange of fire in which there were “some casualties” a cease-fire had been arranged last night. "We were forewarned of I ilie attack the evening before) but I was assured by a very senior Minister in the Government that it would not take place.” Commenting on General Young's remarks, a Cyprus Government spokesmain said: "There was firing this morning from the Turks against Greek positions and. of course, this was answered by the Greek side. You have to bear in mind that this was the third day that the Turks kept firing against the Greeks.” Talks By Leaders General Young made his statement to reporters after nearly two hours of talks with the Cypriot Interior Minister (Mr Polycarpos Georgadjis), w'ho flew to Limassol by helicopter with him this morning, and the local Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Ramadan Djemal, who was brought from the Turkish Cypriot section of the town in an armoured car for the talks. General Young said the latest situation was that the British secured a cease-fire at mid-morning and as far as he was aware it was still being observed. “We are now trying to negotiate an agreement by which we cah maintain the cease-fire effectively,” the general said. Answering questions General Young said he was unable to give any figures of dead and wounded in this morning's fighting. Some parts of the Turkish Cypriot sector of the city were still lield by the Turks; but he was unable to say how much of the sector was in Greek Cypriot hands. General Young added that although British troops were on the spot all day they did not move into action pending the conclusion of political negotiations. “To have moved British troops into action in such a densely populated area without political agreement would have critically endangered the lives of innocent civilians, Cypriot, as well as service families.” The general said that confirmed reports on casualties showed 10 Turks dead and eight seriously wounded. 'lt

is feared the actual figure for both sides is higher,” he said. The statement gave the text of the Linassol ceasefire agreement. This said that both sides gave assurances that the cease-fire would be maintained provided there was no shooting by the opposite side. Minor exchange of

i shots would not constitute a i breach of the agreement. i The agreement continued: • “British patrols may operate anywhere in the town ; with the liaison of the appro- ; priate authorities with a • view to preserving peace and ; reporting, breaches of the : agreement so as to prevent E fighting starting again.”