in Cyprus Today – 9/2/2011

Treated like ‘Terrorists’ – Trade union leaders have compared their treatment at the hands of police officers to that of “terrorists” after attempting to hand over a letter to the Turkish Embassy in Lefkoșa. The decision to hand in the letter came in the wake of fierce criticism of the Trade’s Union Platform’s ongoing campaign against the TRNC government by Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On Monday, union members attempted to hand the document to the embassy opposing Mr Erdoğan’s comments – but were told to post it instead. About 100 police officers, dressed in full riot gear, were present to ensure any potential protest action passed peacefully.

Call for volunteers to join environment force – British expats living full time in North Cyprus can now become part of a 500 strong force of volunteer environmental inspectors. The initiative was announced by TRNC Tourism Environment and Culture Minister Kemal Dürüst this week as part of measures to keep the country tidy. People caught littering will be fined and they will be “named and shamed” by the government. It is the second attempt to launch an environmental  volunteer force in North Cyprus and comes as the TRNC has made 2011 the Year of the Environment. Editor: that’ll make expats even more popular and enhance the Brits image as whingers

EU’s ‘double standards’ over isolation of TRNC – The Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad has accused the EU of “double standards” after handing in a petition calling for an end to the isolation of the TRNC. The document, appealing for an end to restrictions on direct trade, was both emailed and then presented by hand to the EU Commission in Brussels by ACTA’s UK representative, Cetin Ramadan. In response, the petitions committee declared the petition “admissable in accordance with the Rules of the Procedure of the European Parliament, insofar as its subject matter falls within the sphere of activities of the EU.”

Shipping companies blast customs officials – Shipping company bosses have condemned strike action by customs officials at Girne port and say they may now not be able to pay the wages of the staff.

Strikes halt court cases – A total of 170 cases due to appear before Girne court on Monday were adjourned due to strike action.

Prime Ministry website targeted by hacker – The official website of the TRNC’s Prime Ministry was infiltrated by a hacker who posted a message condemning  those who opposed Turkey at the mass rally in Lefkoşa on January 28th. An unknown user calling himself the Crowman left a message at about 11pm on Sunday which read “to those who do not want the officers or the money of Ankara, how have you forgotten our spilled blood in Cyprus?”