Border Control Issues Stir Debate in Northern Cyprus
In a recent session of the self-declared parliament in Northern Cyprus, ‘Prime Minister’ Unal Ustel addressed the contentious issue of Cypriots being denied entry into Turkey. Ustel emphasized that Turkey is not compelled to justify its actions to the authorities in the north, describing the situation as “an internal issue of another country.” This statement came as a response to the growing concerns among Cypriots over the lack of transparency regarding border control measures.
The matter escalated when Ustel presented a letter to the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia that had been sent last November, seeking clarification on the entry refusals. The opposition party CTP’s ‘MP’ Sami Ozuslu highlighted the lack of response from Turkey for four months, questioning the silence on such a critical matter.
‘Transport minister’ Erhan Arikli also weighed in, asserting that just as there are individuals who are barred from entering the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Turkey reserves the right to control its borders. Arikli’s comments underline the sovereignty each state holds over its border control policies.
Previously, on April 15, ‘interior minister’ Dursun Oguz had announced that the north had sought information from Turkey regarding the refusal of entry to Cypriots. Oguz expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by individuals upon arrival at Turkish borders and assured that an explanation would be forthcoming.
Opposition leaders have been vocal about the need for clarity. CTP leader Tufan Erhurman raised questions in ‘parliament’ about the criteria determining who can or cannot enter Turkey, pointing out that the reasons behind these decisions remain unknown to the public.
The issue gained significant attention following the incident involving Evrim Hincal, the financial secretary of the opposition TDP party. Hincal was denied entry into Turkey at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport because his name appeared on Turkey’s N-82 list. This list requires individuals to seek pre-clearance from the Turkish embassy before traveling, yet it is not publicly disclosed, often catching travelers by surprise at the border.
The ongoing debate reflects the complexities of border control and international relations within the context of Cyprus and its divided status, with Turkish Cypriot officials seeking to navigate these diplomatic waters amidst internal political pressures and external policy decisions.
