Cyprus-Forum.com

[halil]

The First of May Labor and Spring Day is being marked today with special events in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus alongside the rest of the world.

The ‘Cyprus Peace Platform` and ‘1st of May Organization Committee’ staged two separate rallies in the capital Lefkosa(Nicosia) today.
The first rally was organized by the ‘1st May Organization Committee’ and was held at the Ataturk Square with the support of 16 other organizations.

Participants gathered at the 10. Yil Park, which is also known as Kugulu Park at 10am this morning, and marched to the Ataturk Square.

Making a speech at Ataturk square Dev-IS President Mehmet Seyis said today they were remembering those who become martyrs in their struggle for better working conditions.

Noting that around the world millions of people were very concerned due to unemployment and poverty Mr. Seyis said this was caused by the worlds’ resources not being shared equally.

Drawing attention to the fact that capitalists were making people redundant around the world in reaction to the economic crisis, Mr. Seyis said ‘unions around the world were holding rallies chanting ‘we will not be the ones to pay for the economic crisis.’

Noting that Turkish Cypriot workers rights were also being attacked during the time, Dev-Is president said ‘pressure was being put on workers just to achieve more financial gains’.

Referring to the Cyprus negotiations process that is taking place between the two leaders in Cyprus, Mr. Seyis said ‘the solution to the issue is evident, a single sovereignty, single citizenship and a single international identity, united federal solution based on political equality that Cypriots will share jointly.’

He said that they will continue to support this view during the negotiations process.

A second rally was also organized by the ‘Cyprus Peace Platform’ that was held at the Inonu Square with the support of 21 organizations.
The participants gathered at the Ankara Caglayan Park at 6.00 pm and then marched on to Inonu Square where the rally began.

Members of the Greek Cypriot trade unions – PEO and SIDIKEK also took part in the celebrations during which music groups from both North Cyprus and South Cyprus performed.

It has been 51 years since Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots workers have jointly celebrated the 1st of May Labor Day holiday.