NICOSIA: The Barcelona youth camp planned for September 11 in northern Cyprus has drawn political opposition, prompting Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel to condemn efforts to stop the event.
FC Barcelona listed the youth training programme on its official website. The camp is scheduled to take place in Lefkoşa, or northern Nicosia.
The far-right National Popular Front (ELAM) urged the Greek Cypriot administration’s Foreign Ministry to pressure Spain over the planned camp.
Üstel accused ELAM of trying to restrict Turkish Cypriot participation in international sporting and cultural events. He said Turkish Cypriot youth would continue meeting athletes and young people from other countries.
Üstel linked the Barcelona dispute to opposition against the planned Zamna Music Festival in northern Cyprus. He also cited the previously planned Nexus Festival.
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Turkish Cypriot officials said the Serbian music organisation EXIT withdrew following diplomatic pressure from the Greek Cypriot side.
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ELAM has also called for diplomatic pressure on countries represented by artists expected to attend the Zamna festival.
The Barcelona youth camp remains scheduled for September 11. The supplied material does not state that FC Barcelona has cancelled or changed the event.
