Press Release:
RE: Cyprus Action Network: February 3rd Event near United Nations
Building, New York City

Turkish and Greek Cypriots participated yesterday, February 3rd, in a common event outside the offices of the United Nations in New York. The event was organized by the Cyprus Action Network (CAN), a non-governmental organization representing people from Cyprus worldwide. The main theme of the event was "SPEAK UP FOR CYPRUS" asking for foreigners to help their cause.

During the event, participants called for re-unification of Cyprus. The event was attended by upto 40 CAN members and friends from all over North America and drew the attention of hundreds of bystanders mostly UN personnel who also expressed their interest and solidarity to Cyprus. During the demonstration, banners with slogans such as "This Homeland is Ours", " "Unite Cyprus", "Peace NOW in Cyprus", "Yes to Annan Plan! support United Nations Initiatives for Cyprus. Cypriots can make it work!", "Denktash has to go. Turkish Cypriots want their voice heard. Democracy Now!" and "Cyprus is our jail. Green line is the bars. Denktash is the warden!" were carried.

CAN members distributed flyers asking for the complete demilitarization of Cyprus and the representation of the indigenous Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations. Outside the building of the United Nations, CAN members had the chance to talk and informed hundreds of people on the political situation in Cyprus. The members explained their position in favor of reaching a solution soon on the basis of the Annan plan but also stressed some of the areas that the plan needs to be improved. The set of principles on the Cyprus problem accepted by the Turkish Cypriot community during last months' rallies in northern Cyprus was read out repeatedly to the public. The event was also attended by activists from Turkey and received coverage by Cypriot and international media.

The Cyprus Action Network is a grassroots activist organization which seeks to support human rights and reconciliation in Cyprus. It is made up of Cypriot university students and recent graduates of both communities scattered throughout the world. It deals with issues which range from freedom of the press, to minority rights and bicommunal education in an effort to create a truly independent and united Cypriot homeland within the European Union.

During and before the event, members and supporters were interviewed by several TV and radio stations. They have outlined their reasons for attending this event and vowed for more events to come in the future. Answering questions of the interviewers, they had the chance to further expand on the issues outlined in the flyers.

CAN will intensify its activities with similar events in New York, London, Geneva and Toronto. For more information on the February 3rd demonstration and photos as well as for upcoming events see www.cyprusaction.org.