TRNC presidential spokesman Osman Ertug has said that the Turkish Cypriots should be able to trade directly under equal conditions with the EU from the port of Famagusta. He said that they expect the EU to allow the Turkish Cypriots to trade directly with the EU and to remove the obstacles imposed by the Greek Cypriots.
Regarding the statements made by South Cyprus government spokesman Nikos Christodoulides on the issue of the direct trade regulation, Ertug told TAK news agency that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to make direct trade with EU member countries. He said: “Direct Trade is our right. The expectation of compensation from us in exchange for this and to demand the fenced off town of Varosha, which is part of the comprehensive solution, resembles the shuffle of apples and pears.”
Recalling that the Direct Trade Regulation was one of the three regulations, which were prepared after the Annan referendum in 2004 in order to lift the isolations imposed on the Turkish Cypriots, Ertug said that the other two regulations were the Financial Aid Regulation and the Green Line Regulation. He added that the other two regulations are being implemented despite some deficiencies, but the Direct Trade Regulation is being blocked by the Greek Cypriot side. Ertug considers that it is the EU’s responsibility to remove this obstacle, adding that it has a moral obligation to the Turkish Cypriots.
Referring to the proposal by the Greek Cypriot side to open Famagusta port under EU control, of which they are already members, Ertug said that it is not possible to take that proposal seriously. He added that“the port of Famagusta has always been open”.
Source Halkin Sesi
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