TRNC President Akinci calls on Turkish Cypriots scientists to express their opinions on the opening of borders

TRNC President Mustafa Akinci on Sunday called on scientists in the Cyprus to speak up about the coronavirus situation in Turkey, which he said was even worrying health experts there. 

Turkey has confirmed more than 170,000 cases and more than 4,000 people have died from Covid-19.

The scientific teams from both sides are due to talk on Tuesday to evaluate the situation as regards the next step in opening up the crossings and to report back to the two leaders.

TRNC has reported no new coronavirus cases in more than a month. Some 20 tests were carried out there on Saturday. It’s total cases since the outbreak stands at around 100 with four deaths.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Turkey  rose to 1,459 on Saturday from 1,195 a day earlier, increasing after travel restrictions were lifted and facilities reopened at the start of the month, according to reports.

In a statement, President Akinci called on Turkish Cypriot health professionals  to express their views.

Are our scientists not worried about July 1? he asked referring to the date that flights between Turkey and the north are due to resume.

We are going through a period in which it is important and mandatory for health professionals to express their views publicly and strongly as we expect them to guide the politics [of the situation], Akinci added.

Transport and communication with Turkey is undoubtedly crucial. However, we have a responsibility to protect the health of our people above all.

Not only were flight to the north due to resume on July 1 but so were crossings for Greek Cypriots. Some categories of Turkish Cypriots have been allowed to cross for almost a week now after a joint agreement between Mr Akinci and Mr Nicos Anastasiades on May 21 for the gradual reopening.

TRNC Prime minister’ Ersin Tatar and his deputy  prime minister’ Kudret Ozersay have been saying that TRNC should open it boarders on 1 July ,pointing out the fact that the country need time to access the situation in South Cyprus .

Prior to that, Ozersay said the crossings could not open because the Greek Cypriot side had opened its airports on Tuesday and they wanted to monitor the situation in the two weeks until July 1.

Trnc has reported no new coronavirus cases in more than a month. Some 20 tests were carried out there on Saturday. It’s total cases since the outbreak stands at around 100 with four deaths.

The scientific teams from both sides are due to talk on Tuesday to evaluate the situation as regards the next step in opening up the crossings and to report back to the two leaders.