Nicosia                                                                                                                                                                                                  05 Oct. 2017

The Presidential Spokesperson Barış Burcu made a statement to the press following President Mustafa Akıncı’s reception of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Elizabeth Spehar.

Burcu stated that the President and Special Representative exchanged views on the preliminary copy of the report that has been prepared by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in relation to the UN Good Mission Office in Cyprus.

Whilst the preliminary copy of the report refrains from overtly criticizing either side, Burcu added, “In spite of this, it is obvious that the positive contributions of the Turkish Cypriot side to the process would become more apparent if a clearer account was given, and at the same time it can be understood that the negativities are not derived from the Turkish Cypriot Side”

Reiterating, as President Mustafa Akıncı has previously stated, that a fair and non-incriminating stance is expected from Secretary General on this report, Burcu said, “Nonetheless, our desire, wish and request is for a full and accurate account of the events and discussions in Crans Montana.”

Meanwhile, The Foreign Ministry has announced that a United Nations (UN) convoy crossed over the border into the TRNC yesterday from the Ledra Palace checkpoint to deliver the medical supplies to Greek Cypriots living in the Dipkarpaz area.

The decision to impose tax on food and other supplies sent by the Greek Cypriot Administration (via UN peace forces) to Greek Cypriot and Maronite communities in the TRNC came into force on 1st October 2017. Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu reminded Greek Cypriots that any supplies other than medical aid will be subject to the tax, adding that UN statement expressing dismay at “the Turkish Cypriot side’s one-sided decision to impose a tax on food and other supplies” is regrettable.

In a written statement, the Foreign Ministry announced that there would be no limits or taxes imposed on UN vehicles carrying medical supplies yesterday.

The statement said:

“Yesterday, a UN convoy arrived in TRNC via the Ledra Palace checkpoint. According to protocol, the UN sent a written statement notifying TRNC authorities ahead of the convoy’s arrival, which included two cars, and crossed the checkpoint to go to Karpaz.

No taxes or restrictions were applied to the UN vehicle, which carried only medical supplies.

The government’s decision to tax goods sent to Greek Cypriot and Maronite communities will extend to all products apart from medical supplies.”

The Foreign Ministry stated that the new implementation complies with the 1975 Vienna Population Exchange Agreement signed between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Nonetheless, the Ministry has decided to continue its cooperation with the UN Peace Force in Cyprus.