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Cyprus Muslim leader sez yes vote is Godâs will, threatens war
Turkish Cypriot leader of the Sufi faith in Cyprus Sheik Nazim has called on Cypriots on both sides of the Green Line to vote âyesâ to the Annan plan in tomorrowâs referenda. âThis is Godâs will,â said the octogenarian Sheik, appearing on local Turkish Cypriot TV. âNo human alive can stand in the way of Godâs wishes, not even with tanks and guns, armies and planes,â he added. In typical style, the Sheik criticised the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, saying: âFor the last 30 years he has been cooking his shish kebab on one side. Now itâs time for him to cook the other side a bit. After all, the side heâs been cooking for 30 years has turned to ash. Even if itâs raw on one side, lets try and eat it. It may be raw, but add a little salt and itâll be fine.â Asked whether this meant he supported a âyesâ vote in the referendum, Sheik Nazim answered, âI say, âletâs eat kebabâ.â Sheik Nazim recently drew heavy criticism from Denktash and his supporters for visiting Archbishop Makariosâ grave at Kykkos monastery. During the visit, Nazim said he had met with Orthodox bishops in an attempt to persuade them to advocate a âyesâ vote to in the referendum. âI told the bishops Satan was cast out of heaven for saying ânoâ to God. I asked them, âdo you think this plan was written to create war between us?â No, itâs a peace plan. And if itâs a peace plan and you say ânoâ to it, maybe we should prepare ourselves for combat,â Nazim said. Posted by: TS 2004-04-23 |
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