Business in Nicosia came to a halt on Tuesday when thousands of workmen left their jobs to demonstrate support for President Makarios' handling of his island's dispute with Greece.

The current quarrel centres around Greek suggestions that the president form a government of national unity and hand over hidden stocks of arms to the United Nations Peace Force on the island.

A large crowd assembled outside the Archbishop's residence in Nicosia's old city to give the Cypriot leader a cheering welcome as he arrived home from the presidential palace.

SYNOPSIS: It's Tuesday afternoon in Nicosia and thousands of shop-keepers and villagers have put aside their work to demonstrate their support for Archbishop Makarios' handling of his nation's dispute with the Greek government. News that President Makarios had turned down a Greek recommendation involving changes in the island's government had preceded the Cypriot leader. Thousands cheered as the Archbishop told them that attempts to impose behind-the-scenes plans on the Cypriot people...against their will.....will not succeed.

Later, the President walked among his supporters. It was his final appearance in a day marked by pro-Makarios demonstrations. The proposals that Cyprus broaden the base of its government and turn stockpiles of arms over to United Nations forces were handed to Makarios last week by the Greek ambassador to Cyprus. The present quarrel with Greece and the enthusiastic support for Makarios' stand seem to indicate a change in public opinion away from the idea of Enosis (union with Greece).