Communications and Works Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos has briefed officials from international organizations, dealing with civil aviation and flight security issues, on illegal actions taken by Turkey against Cyprus, asking them to exert their influence for the implementation of international law in Cyprus’ airspace.
Mitsopoulos met on Thursday the heads of representatives of the most important international organizations which deal with civil aviation and flight security issues, who participated in the international conference on flight security held here.
According to an official press release, Mitshopoulos briefed thoroughly his interlocutors on three fundamental issues.
The first one is the refusal of the Ankara Air Traffic Control Centre to communicate directly with the respective Nicosia Centre, something that it is obligatory according to the international regulations on flight safety and especially the ICAO international convention.
Secondly, he informed them about the continuous interventions and interceptions by the illegal air traffic control centre which Turkey established at the illegal airport in Tympou, in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus. These interventions create confusion for aircraft flying in Cyprus’ airspace, with unpredictable repercussions on flight security.
Thirdly, Mitsopoulos talked about the ongoing embargo Turkey imposed on Cyprus flights, which increases the cost of flights to Eastern Europe countries.
He thanked the foreign officials for the continuous and consistent support of their organizations to the Republic of Cyprus and asked them to exert pressure to see international law applied in Cyprus’ airspace.
He underlined that the Republic of Cyprus is seeking, in the framework of international conventions, a “technical solution” that will end the irregularity which Turkey has created with is illegal actions and which will promote flight security in Cyprus airspace.
Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus’ northern areas since they invaded in 1974, does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member. Turkey’s embargoes on Cypriot vessels and aircraft disrupt shipping and air traffic, in addition to causing huge financial and other problems. Annual losses for Cyprus’ economy because of the restrictions amounted to 138,5 million euro in 2008, accounting for 1,3 % of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
