Turkish Cypriots delay citrus exports via south

Attempts to export citrus fruits from northern Cyprus via the Limassol port in the southern part of the island, following large demonstrations by Turkish Cypriots, who are demanding that they be exported from Famagusta (the internationally non-recognised port in the north) instead.

Demonstrations by trade unions, transport operators and other professional organisations were held at the port of Famagusta (Gazimagusa) and all the check points between the north and south, using trucks and lorries to block the checkpoints in some cases.

Some protested against the European Union and the United States for not acting to remove the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.

Exports of citrus fruits via the Green Line that divides Cyprus have always been possible in theory under the EU’s Green Line regulation. However, it has taken almost two years for citrus fruits in northern Cyprus to pass the EU’s phytosanitary tests.

In addition, Turkish Cypriots had hoped that they would be able to export directly from Famagusta to the EU, under the EU’s direct trade regulation.

The EU pledged to lift the isolation of Turkish Cypriots just days before the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU, and days after the referendum to reunite the island, in which 65% of Turkish Cypriots voted in favour of the reunification plan and 76% of Greek Cypriots voted against it.

However, the direct trade regulation has been blocked owing to objections by Greek Cypriots, who see it as political recognition of an occupation regime.

Demonstrators are also angry that the fruits were to be loaded onto Greek Cypriot-owned trucks for transport, thus underlining fears that exports of Turkish Cypriot goods via Limassol would only service to push all business southwards.