FEARS FOR ECONOMY
● PRESIDENT DISCUSSES EFFECTS OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR ON TRNC ● PRIME MINISTER FAIZ SUCUOĞLU VOICES ‘CONCERN’ OVER THE CRISIS ● WORRIES OF A RISE IN FUEL PRICES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
THE effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the economy of the TRNC, as well as developments in the region were discussed during an emergency meeting held at the Presidency on Thursday.
Prime Minister Dr Faiz Sucuoğlu, Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces Commander Major General Sezai Öztürk, Security Forces Commander Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Foreign Minister Hasan Taçoy, Presidential Undersecretary Okan Donangil, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary İsmet Korukoğlu and Presidential Special Representative M Ergün Olgun attended the meeting.
After the meeting, President Ersin Tatar said that the world’s focus was on the war that started on Thursday, as well as on the increase in oil prices and the rise in foreign currency.
He added that the Presidency was following Turkey’s assessments and said that he hoped this crisis would end.
Mr Tatar stressed that in times of war, innocent civilians suffer the most and the world’s humanity is always the loser adding that the war between Ukraine and Russia once again showed how important concepts such as peace, tranquility and security are.
Mr Tatar said that, “Russia carried out an attack on Ukraine right in front of Nato, the EU and the United States” and added, “Other than imposing sanctions, none of them can actually tell Russia to stop.”
He also stresed that the war between Russia and Ukraine showed how valuable it is for everyone to live in peace and security.
PM SUCUOĞLU’S STATEMENT
TRNC Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu also released an official statement to the press relating to the crisis which read:
“We are following the military operation against Ukraine by the Russian Federation Armed Forces with great concern. Humanity, the world and the TRNC have enetered a very critical period.
“While we are deeply feeling the extent of the global Covid crisis, the new war that is happening right next door to us will also have new negative effects on our economy.
“First of all, we sincerely hope that the Russia-Ukraine war ends through peaceful means and diplomacy as soon as possible. There is no reason for people and children to be killed by bombs and bullets”.
STRANDED IN UKRAINE
During an appearance on BRT’s 18:Hour programme, Foreign Minister Hasan Taçoy spoke about the
Turkish Cypriots who are currently stranded in Ukraine.
Noting that 10 people contacted the TRNC representative office from Ukraine to “communicate that they were there”, but reported no problems, Mr Taçoy said, “We will assist in their evacuation if necessary”.
Following the emergency meeting at the Presidency, Mr Taçoy called on TRNC citizens in Ukraine to reach out to the Budapest TRNC representative office.
The Foreign Ministry issued an announcement posted on the Ministry’s social media account for TRNC citizens in Ukraine which read:
“Due to the increase in tension in the region, it is recommended that our citizens residing in Ukraine permanently and/or temporarily take all possible measures for their personal safety, due to “the increasing tension in the region”.
The statement added that “because of the fact that Ukrainian airspace is still closed, the
necessary support and guidance will be provided for those who wish to leave the country”.
The TRNC National Education Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu also spoke to the national broadcaster BRT, referring to one TRNC citizen who is currently living and studying medicine in the Ukraine.
Mr Çavuşoğlu said that the student — who has been in contact with officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Kyev — will move to Poland.
He also confirmed that his ministry had been in contact with the student through the student’s family, and that the student was currently waiting at the Ukrainian-Polish border in order to be allowed to move to safety.
“Once the student arrives into Poland, arrangements will be made for transportation to the TRNC”, he added.
Mr Çavuşoğlu also confirmed that a dialogue had been opened with Turkey to ensure that the student will have the opportunity to continue studying, potentially at an institution in the Republic of Turkey.
The Ministry also advised that in case of emergency, citizens can either telephone the Ministry on +90 533 851 40 06, or the TRNC Representative Office in Budapest (Hungary) on +36 1301 0183.