"Talat crosses for Tekke pilgrimage
By Jean Christou
TURKISH Cypriot �Prime Minister� Mehmet Ali Talat crossed over to the Greek Cypriot side yesterday to visit the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque on Larnaca�s Salt Lake as part of the Muslim feast of Bayram.
Hala Sultan Tekke was built in memory of Um Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammed, who is said to be buried in the mosque. It is one of Islam�s most holy shrines and sacred to Turkish Cypriots.
Talat crossed over at the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint at around 1pm and arrived at the Tekke an hour later. He was driven in an ordinary car with no official emblems.
He was accompanied by his wife, her grandmother and his aunt. He also brought bodyguards, in addition to which Greek Cypriot police laid on heavy security. A number of Turkish Cypriot journalists also made the journey."
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