UN seeks flag and anthem for Cyprus

As Cypriot leaders struggle to meet a deadline for political reunification of the island, the United Nations yesterday launched a competition for a new single anthem and flag.

Artists have been invited to design a flag simple enough for a child to draw. The anthem need have no words, just a catchy tune of between 30 and 60 seconds' length. Anyone is eligible to enter the competition, and joint applications from Greek and Turkish Cypriots were particularly welcome, the UN said.

"The flag and anthem must represent the commitment to a common future in a spirit of co-operation, tolerance and reconciliation in a reunified and independent Cyprus," the UN said in its full-page advert in the Cypriot press.

But even as the UN laid out its vision of a united future, Turkey's generals broke their silence to back the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, who is under fire at home and abroad for dragging his feet on the UN's reunification plan.

General Aytac Yalman, head of Turkish ground forces, said the plan threatened to "remove the secure environment that has been established on the island and the eastern Mediterranean".

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 after an abortive coup by supporters of union with Greece. The island has been split into a Greek Cypriot-controlled south and a Turkish-held north ever since.

The general's comments are likely to ease the pressure on Mr Denktash, 78, who has lost much of his political support in Ankara. The new Turkish government has reversed the country's long-held policy on Cyprus, urging him to reach a settlement by 28 February, the deadline imposed by the European Union for Cyprusto enter the union.

The EU, which Turkey also wishes to join, accepted the whole Mediterranean island as a member last month, with provisions for union laws to extend to the north after reunification.

Polls show 90 per cent of Turkish Cypriots favour reunification. Earlier this month, about 55,000 – almost a quarter of the population of northern Cyprus – staged a protest urging Mr Denktash to accept reunification or resign.