Greek Cyprus bans fuel purchase from Turkish Cyprus
NICOSIA – Anadolu Agency
Turkish Cypriots have criticized the southern Greek Cypriot side for banning its citizens from buying fuel from Turkish Cyprus.
“The Greek side is openly threatening consumers with new criminal measures that have been introduced to prevent shopping from the North. This is an unacceptable situation,” Barış Burcu, Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı’s spokesperson, said in a statement on June 29.
Both sides are responsible for enhancing relations between the two communities, Burcu said.
He said the Turkish Cypriot side had always acted with responsibility while the Greek side had always been the side preventing the implementation of confidence-building measures in Cyprus talks.
He pointed out that the use of cellphones without restrictions and permanently maintaining electrical network connections in the region remain unimplemented due to the Greek side’s negative attitude.
Burcu said Turkish Cypriots come under attacks when crossing into the south from time to time.
“To make matters worse, the Greek administration has announced that it will fine those who buy fuel from the north with new criminal measures,” he added.
He said Turkish Cyprus’ fuel prices could either be more expensive or cheaper than the south from time to time.
“Turkish Cypriots have never threatened consumers with criminal measures like the Greek side did when fuel prices were much cheaper in the south compared to ours. We let them make free decisions,” he added.
