North clampdown on Republic of Cyprus passports ...

THE TURKISH Cypriot authorities have taken new measures to deter Turkish Cypriot use of passports issued by the Republic of Cyprus.

According to yesterday’s Turkish Cypriot press, the ‘cabinet’ of the breakaway regime decided on April 9 to prohibit the use of the Cyprus Republic passport by Turkish Cypriots who travel abroad for activities supported by the breakaway state.

The ban includes visits and/or meetings relating to scholarships, courses, seminars or social, cultural and sports activities.

The decision stipulates that in such cases only the passport of Turkey or the ‘TRNC’ can be used. Those who do not abide by the decision will not be included in the scope of the support granted by the ‘cabinet’ for travelling abroad.

The ban effectively forces those wishing to travel abroad to do so from Tympou (Ercan) airport in the north via Turkey.

After the opening of the checkpoints in 2003, and the failure of the Annan plan a year later, thousands of Turkish Cypriots applied for Cyprus Republic passports. Documents proving Cypriot citizenship afford holders a number of benefits including, visa-free travel within the EU and in a number of third countries, fundamental rights afforded EU citizens, lower tuition fees in higher education throughout Europe and in the case of Turkish Cypriots living in the occupied areas, free health care.

Since the more hard-line and partitionist Dervis Eroglu took over the Turkish Cypriot leadership in 2010, the authorities have been more critical of Cyprus Republic passport holders. In response, the Turkish Cypriot press published a number of articles highlighting the number of Turkish Cypriot politicians and their families holding Cyprus Republic passports, including Eroglu’s grandchildren.

Cyprus Mail

 Parikiaki