Over one hundred taxi drivers protested yesterday outside the parliament building whilst matters including the issuance of new licenses were being examined by the House Communications committee.

The protestors are against the decision not to allow transfer of taxi licenses and the uniformity in colour of all taxi cars, claiming that, amongst other problems, to change the color of their cars would involve costs which they can not afford. Another contention point is the issuance of new licenses, apart from the Paphos region however which could have a need for more taxis, although this is also questioned by taxi drivers.

According to statements of the Chairman of the House Communications Committee Nicos Pittokopitis after the meeting, decisions concerning issuance of new licenses will not be taken before February 2002, whilst the position of the parties on other relevant issues are expected next week. In March, the overall situation will be re-examined and decisions taken in the light of the needs at that time, in view of the possible effects of events in the USA in September and their repercussions on tourism in Cyprus.