COVID19: Cyprus sends medical supplies across divide

Cyprus on Thursday sent COVID-19 drugs and personal protective equipment across the divided island’s ceasefire line for Turkish Cypriots to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Requests of any kind from one community to another are infrequent due to the toxic political climate of the island’s division.

Last week, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinic requested medical aid from Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades to help contain COVID-19 in the Turkish-held north of the island.

UN-led Cyprus peace talks have been in limbo for over two-and-a-half years and Akinci came under fire from nationalist politicians in the north for requesting help from the Greek Cypriot side.

The island has been divided between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus and the northern third under Turkish military control since 1974, formed after Ankara’s troops occupied the area in response to a coup sponsored by the Greek military junta.

Cyprus government deputy spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas issued a statement saying that delivery of 2000 chloroquine tablets and 4,000 pieces of protective gear was handed over to the Turkish Cypriot side on Thursday.

He said the delivery followed a positive response to the request from Akinci for medical supplies and malaria pills used in the treatment of COVID-19 for hospitals in the north.

Divided Cyprus has more than 820 confirmed COVID-19 infections and 16 deaths since the first case was reported on the island on 9 March.

The Cyprus Republic has 715 coronavirus cases – after reporting 20 more on Wednesday – and 12 deaths.

Turkish Cypriot authorities reported another 5 COVID-19 cases reaching 105 in total.

Four COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in the north.