Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot Press and Other Media, 98-02-16

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

TURKISH CYPRIOT PRESS AND OTHER MEDIA

No. 28/98 -- 14-15-16

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Durduran, Ozgur launch joint political movement.

[02] Turkish Cypriot "Visa" regulations detailed.

[03] Man with pistol says he was well-treated by Cyprus police.

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] Durduran, Ozgur launch joint political movement

Pointing out that the existence and identity of the Turkish Cypriots are being threatened, the joint statement noted that the only alternative is a mutually acceptable solution. The statement also said that it is necessary to oppose any move aimed at perpetuating the status quo.

[02] Turkish Cypriot "Visa" regulations detailed

The "foreign and defense ministry" introduced new regulations to the crossings between the pseudostate and the free areas of Cyprus. The regulations on entrance and exit from the Ledra Palace, put into effect as of last Friday, do not apply to air and sea transportation.

So-called foreign and defense minister Taner Etkin announced the new regulations at his news conference the other day. Stating that during entrance to the "TRNC" from the Ledra Palace the citizens of Cyprus Republic and of Greece will be asked to present passports or identity cards, Taner Etkin went on to announce that "visas" will also be imposed on these people. Greek Cypriot and Greek citizens will be charged a "visa" fee of 15 pounds sterling, or its equivalent in Turkish lira.

According to the new regulations, those permanently residing in the "TRNC" and crossing to the free areas with permission will also be asked to present passports or identity cards and pay an exit fee in the Turkish Lira equivalent of 4 pounds sterling.

No fees will be charged to those making urgent crossings into the free areas for health reasons.

No fees will also be charged from diplomats, UN and UN Peace Force personnel, and the personnel of the British bases residing in the free areas and wanting to cross into the occupied area. However, the necessary registrations will be made during entrance.

The regulation which imposes no exit fee on UN, UN Peace Force, British bases, and foreign mission officials residing in the "TRNC" stipulates the charge of 4 pounds sterling, or its equivalent in Turkish Lira, from third country tourists over the age of 18 who want to cross from the free areas into the occupied area for tourist purposes.

While stipulating that Greek Cypriots, Maronites, and third country nationals permanently residing in the "TRNC" should pay a monthly exit fee in the Turkish Lira equivalent of 10 pounds sterling, the regulation also increases the residence period for Greek Cypriots, Maronites, and third country nationals in the free areas to six months.

The age limit on returning Greek Cypriot and Maronite female students and on Maronite male students studying in the free areas has been lifted as of last Friday. The new regulation envisages a crossing fee of 2 pound sterling, or its equivalent in Turkish Lira, for students. While still subject to passport and identity card control and crossing fees, the limitation on the number of visitors to Apostolos Andreas Monastery has been lifted.

No crossing fee will be charged from the auxiliary personnel from the free areas who are exempt from the imperative crossing fee under the regulations.

The members of third country delegations and auxiliary personnel accompanying them from the free areas for official contacts will not be charged an entrance fee. They will only be asked to present passports or identity cards.

Taner Etkin also announced in his news conference that the decision on suspending intercommunal contacts, put into effect in December, is still in force.

Stating that they are determined to henceforth hold talks on the basis of "two states", Taner Etkin reminded that they have obtained the full support of Turkey on this issue.

Touching on the presidential elections in the free areas of Cyprus, Taner Etkin said that it has become obvious that there will be no change in the Greek Cypriot policy, no matter who gets elected and that these elections do not interest the "TRNC".

Finally, touching on the Greek Cypriot passport issue, Taner Etkin said that the "government" has begun work to draw up a "law" on this matter, and that the "interior ministry" is continuing its investigations in this direction.

[03] Man with pistol says he was well-treated by Cyprus police

Journalist Habil Yilmaz, who joined a group of 30 Turkish Cypriot journalists who crossed into the free areas to cover the elections, claimed that he had forgotten to leave his pistol behind before he crossed into the free areas.

Yilmaz was allowed by Cyprus police to take pictures of the candidates and cover the election, the papers claim. He was later on interrogated by the police. He was then set free.

Police held the pistol for ballistic tests.

Yilmaz said that Cyprus police had told him that if he wants to return and cover the results in the evening he could do so, but he said he was too tired to do so.

KIBRIS reports that upon his return to the occupied area he stressed that he was well treated by the Cyprus police while in custody.

(MY)

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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