TRNC threatens to retaliate to south Cyprus ban on Turkish Cypriot taxi driver

The Turkish Cypriot authorities on Wednesday threatened to reciprocate the Greek Cypriot side’s planned clampdown on Turkish Cypriot taxis operating in the South.

The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı repeated an earlier warning that “whatever restrictions are made to Turkish Cypriot registered taxis or buses and any public transportation vehicles, the same restrictions will be applied to the Greek Cypriot registered vehicles in the north.”

“We will take the necessary measures within the principles of reciprocity, according to the steps to be taken by the Greek Cypriot administration,” he said.

Transportation Minister Erhan Arıklı on Wednesday warned that Greek Cypriot vehicles registered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will face similar restrictions to those imposed on Turkish Cypriot registered taxies, shuttles, buses or any public transportation vehicles should the Greek Cypriot administration go ahead with its plans to restrict their operations in the south.

Calling on Greek Cypriot authorities to turn back from its decision, Arıklı said that the TRNC government will not hesitate to introduce similar restrictions of its own.

He expressed the view that the move will have an adverse affect on tourists visiting the island.

Stating that he had discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, Arıklı said they were looking into steps that could be taken for Greek Cypriot registered vehicles.

“The TRNC authorities are capable of swiftly introducing restrictions of its own at the same level. I’m only hoping that the Greek Cypriot administration will turn back from its decision at a time when the Turkish Cypriot side is offering proposals for collaboration and cooperation. Otherwise, the rift between the two sides will further deepen,” he said.

The Greek Cypriot authorities had announced last Friday plans to effectively reduce the burden of proof to fine unlicensed taxi drivers, and that should the new legislation pass, fines can be levied based on an “evidence-based” system.