CHIEF OF TURKEY – EU AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT IN ANKARA OGUZ DEMIRALP REITERATES TURKEY’S POSITION NOT TO OPEN ITS PORTS TO GREEK CYPRIOT REGISTERED VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT
Turkey has once again made it clear it will not open its ports and airports to Greek Cypriot registered vessels and aircraft before the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The Anatolian News Agency quotes Oguz Demiralp, the chief of Turkey – EU Affairs department in Ankara, as having said that it was “out of question” for Ankara to allow Greek Cypriot vessels to dock or land at Turkish ports or airports before the unjust international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot People is lifted.
“Turkish ports will not be opened to Greek Cypriot vessels until the TRNC ports are opened to international trade” he added.
Referring to Ankara’s signing of the addition protocol extending the customs union agreement to new EU member states, Mr. Demiralp suggested that the Union work and discuss for an alternative way out, adding however that Turkey’s position on the issue was clear and consistent.
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