Cyprus demonstrates against Erdogan's visit

The demonstrators, including a number of opposition leaders, chanted slogans against Ankara, including "No intervention, but free will. Freedom for all in Cyprus is the decision for Cypriots," according to what AFP reported.

Gulsen Erchin, the spokesperson for the "Democracy and Will" movement that organized the demonstration in the northern part of Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world, said, "We say to Turkey: You cannot rule Northern Cyprus from Ankara."

And the demonstration was attended by former leader Mustafa Akinci, who defeated him in the "presidential" elections last month, Erchin Tatar, supported by Ankara.

The demonstration took place days before Erdogan's visit, on Sunday, to the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus.

The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, has exercised, since 2004, its sovereignty over two-thirds of the island, which are located south of the buffer zone under the supervision of the United Nations.

Tuesday's demonstration reflects the feelings of anger sparked by Ankara's public interference in their elections in support of Tatars.

The intervention reached its climax days before the first round of the elections, when Tatars from Ankara, with Erdogan sitting next to him, announced his intention to reopen the coastal resort of Varosha, which was occupied by the Turkish army following the division of the island.

The decision to reopen the resort, which had been abandoned for decades, sparked widespread anger among Greek Cypriots and resentment among a large number of Cypriots, who saw it as direct interference in their elections to enhance the chances of Tatars winning the elections.

T/S

ANHA