Gen. Grivas Calls For Self -Determination

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30480, 30 June 1964, Page 13

Gen. Grivas Calls For Self -Determination

(N.Z J 5 .A.-Reuter— Copyright)

NICOSIA, June 29.

General George Grivas, in his first public appearance since returning to Nicosia, declared again yesterday that self-determination was the only solution in Cyprus.

Addressing thousands of cheering Greek Cypriots at a rally, the former Eoka underground leader spoke of “tomorrow’s free Greek Cyprus” and made an implied criticism of the United Nations mediator, Mr Sakari Tuomioja, of Finland.

General Grivas also declared that in Cyprus “Britain suffered her greatest military defeat.”

Referring to one of the three objectives of his return which he proclaimed in a broadcast last Wed-

nesday—“the need for unity and reconciliation amongst the entire Greek Cypriot people”—General Grivas said “this has been achieved.”

The Greek Cypriot people would march towards victory and justice, he said —one whole nation, one slogan, one Cyprus. “With the President we are working in harmony.” As he appealed for coexistence with the Turks, news reached Nicosia of a shooting affray at Chatos Village, East Cyprus, yesterday, in which one Turkish Cypriot was reported killed and one wounded. STATE OF ALERT

Police estimated that 10,000 Greek Cypriots crowded the central Nicosia area to hear General Grivas, who returned to the island from Greece a fortnight ago after a fiveyear absence. Greek Cypriot security forces had been placed on a state of alert as a “precautionary measure” in view of the Grivas rally. “It was felt that the other side might think we had relaxed too much," a Government spokesman said. DUTY CALLED In his speech, General Grizas referred to threats of Turkish invasion, and told those who asked why he had returned: “I came for all matters which relate to the present crisis.” He said duty brought him back—“duty to Cyprus, duty to Mother Greece, duty to the whole of Hellenism and to the fallen.” Grivas, in a white suit, his voice often reaching a highpitched shout, was frequently interrupted by roars from the crowd in the densely-packed Venizelos square. He spoke from a dias. Behind him stood the blackrobed President Makarios. NO DANGER The crowd shouted “Shame!” when General Grivas said that his genuine offer of friendship to the Turkish Cypriot community—made in last Wednesday’s broadcast—had met with no response. It was not merely a courtesy gesture, he said, but “what

I was feeling and believing. Turks must understand that they are not in danger from us.” Greek Cypriots wanted to live in peaceful co-existence with the Turks, and he again invited the Turkish Cypriots to join them. General Grivas said the island’s Turkish Cypriot VicePresident, Dr. Fadil Kutchuk, did not believe in co-existence but “he will repent because I believe right-minded Turks will not follow him."