Talat: Permit For Public Worship Will Not Be Cancelled

LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat said, ''bomb attack which was launched against Ay Mama Church early in the day (Friday) is a premeditated attack, and public worship on September 1st and 2nd won't be hindered because of this.''
Talat condemned the attack and told reporters that there is a serious damage in the church and the repair will be difficult since the church is very old.
Talat said, ''public worship which was permitted between September 1st and 2nd should certainly be observed, thus, any cancellation is out of question.''
Talat said that he cannot prejudge the attitude of Greek Cypriots who will come to worship and naturally they might not want to come.
''The attack is an premeditated and long-intended act,'' added Talat.
Talat said that police will pursue the investigation and find the assailants.
TRNC government has recently permitted Greek Cypriots to observe public worship in the Ay Mama Church between September 1st and 2nd.
Meanwhile, officials said that the bomb can be a TNT type explosive.
(GC-ULG) 27.08.2004