Greek & Turkish-Cypriots Play Friendly Holiday Soccer Game

The British High Commission in Nicosia organized the game, that commemorated a Christmas day ceasefire and game during World War I in 1914. Greek and Turkish Cypriots played in the rain against an "international" team which was comprised mostly of UN delegates, according to Parikiaki; the game was held in the UN buffer zone.

British High Commmissioner Ric Todd offered the following opening remarks, "We are remembering today 100 years ago when during the worst conflict the world had at that time seen, there was a pause in hostilities and people on both sides, spoke to each other, exchanged gifts and on occasion played football."

Todd added of the game, "...a very important symbol in the world today, when no matter what conflict we may find there is always a scope for optimism and for hope and the human spirit to come together no matter how bad the circumstances may be." The opposing team beat the Cypriots 5-2.

(Source: Parikiaki)