In Cyprus, the third anniversary of the coup from within the Greek community which caused President Makarios to flee into temporary exile and precipitated the Turkish invasion was observed throughout the island on Friday (15 July).

SYNOPSIS: In Nicosia a mass rally was held at the old Presidential Palace which was burned down during the coup,. It was the prime target of the Greek army units which led the uprising under orders from the then ruling military junta in Athens. It is at present being re-built.

The theme of the demonstration was against foreign intervention and participating groups from various organisations carried banners proclaiming slogans like "All Cypriots whether Greek or Turkish will work together to save Cyprus". Others were anti-NATO, and anti-American -- and some demanded that tall foreign troops must leave the island.

Hopes of a settlement to the problems of the divided island are still far from realisation. Because of recent political turmoil in Turkey the two communities in Cyprus are still a long way from agreement and partition remains as a probable long-term reality.

The large crowd at the rally spent much of their time chanting slogans and singing -- but they broke off to hear a speech by the Mayor of Nicosia, Lellos Demetriades. Despite anti-American feeling it is widely accepted in Cyprus that United States involvement in negotiations remains the best hope for the Greek Cypriots of getting concessions from the Turkish side.