- Title: CYPRUS: PRESIDENT MAKARIOS ESCAPES BOMB ATTEMPT
- Date: 8th October 1973
- Summary: 1. GV Bomb damage to road 0.08 2. CU Road sign 0.11 3. SV PAN up from damage to onlookers 0.24 4. SV Soldier inspecting damage to road and CU Damage 0.34 5. SV Bomb disposal experts winding in detonating wire 0.40 6. SV Crowd around assassins hideout (2 shots) 0.50 7. SV Police car along road 0.56 8. GV Damage to road
- Embargoed: 23rd October 1973 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: FAMAGUSTA, CYPRUS
- Country: Cyprus
- Reuters ID: LVA405F65SSZDNE68RWQS665KGM3
- Story Text: President Makarios of Cyprus escaped assassination on his way to Mass on Sunday (October 7). Four landmines blew up minutes before the President's car had passed along a road near the village of Famagusta, in East Cyprus.
The landmines were sunk into the road, and detonated from an underground hideout nearby. Police arrested a Greek Cypriot, believed to be a waiter from Famagusta. They said he was wanted for several offences, including the possession of arms. Police said the man confessed to carrying out the explosions on behalf of a group backing "Enosis" - union with Greece - which supported the underground leader, General Grivas.
The have been several recent attempts to kill the President. Two months ago police found bombs under a bridge on the route to the President's summer residence. In March 1970, the President helicopter was shot down by a group of Enosis supporters.
SYNOPSIS: President Makarios of Cyprus escaped assassination as he was on his way to Mass on Sunday. Four landmines blew up minutes before the President's car passed along a road near the village of Famagusta, in East Cyprus. Police arrested a Greek Cypriot, believed to be a waiter from Famagusta.
Police said the man they arrested confessed to carrying out the explosions on behalf of a group backing Cyprus's union with Greece. The group supports the underground leader, General Grivas.
Police said the guerrillas hid underground to detonate the four mines sunk into the road. There have been several recent attempts to kill President Makarios. Two months ago, bombs were placed under a bridge near the President's home. In 1970 his helicopter was shot down.
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