- Title: CYPRUS: ATTACK ONE GREEK OFFICER DURING GREEK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS.
- Date: 25th March 1973
- Summary: DECORATIONS FOR NATIONAL DAY: GREEK FLAGS IN LARNACA: HOISTING OF FLAG: SOLDIERS AT ATTENTION WITH RIFLES OFFICES WATCH: GEEK FLAG FLYING FROM POLE: CAFE WHERE GREEK OFFICE WAS ATTACKED: BROKEN CHAIR AND SMASHED WINDOWS. Initials PK/VS 0.15 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
- Embargoed: 9th April 1973 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: LARNACA, CYPRUS
- Country: Cyprus
- Reuters ID: LVADCYHTDXGTVDN4OFO3QYL3HC30
- Story Text: About 25 armed men attacked a cafeteria in Larnaca in the South of the island on Friday evening (March 23) and beat up three customers, including a National Guard captain. The attack occurred during three days of celebrations commemorating Greek Independence.
Greek Cypriot newspapers said the captain belonged to the Greek Army which provides the officer corps of the Cyprus National Guard. Furniture and windows of the cafeteria were smashed.
Newspapers said the two other men beaten up were supporters of General George Grivas, the former EOKA leader who is now believed to be directing a campaign of terrorist activities against the Cyprus Government.
Reports blame supporters of President Makarios for the attack.
Because Greek Cypriots make up 82 per cent of the island's 650,000 population, Greek Independence Day (March 25) is celebrated almost as much in Cyprus towns as in Athens.
Streets and schools were decorated with Greek flags and slogans calling for ENOSIS - Union with Greece.
But the celebrations could not hide the fact that Greek Cypriots are divided into those who support President Makarios and those who follow General Grivas.
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