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News Clippings: Cyprus

Clashes in Limassol's Turkish Quarter
in The Cyprus Weekly, March 17-23, 2000

Tensions have risen in Limassol's Turkish quarter since the arrival of groups of gypsies from the occupied areas, with four people injured and ten taken to Limassol Police Headquarters.

Yesterday's minor incidents among the gypsies followed a fracas on Wednesday between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in the Turkish neighbourhood in Limassol. The groups usually get on well.

Wednesday's scuffle occurred after a trivial misunderstanding between a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot led to the involvement of a number of people.

About four people were injured as a result and ten were taken to Limassol Police HQ to be questioned after the affray took on major dimensions.

Although the situation in the area calmed down after police intervention, Turkish quarter residents expressed their concern about further similar "sad incidents."

Limassol officials had warned of a negative climate of late in the town's sensitive Turkish quarter and had suggested preventive measures.

Limassol police last night were not in a position to give out details of yesterday's incident, but said it was "minor, between Turkish Cypriots."

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