President Ersin Tatar visited Lokmacı Border Gate today to conduct inspections prior to the opening of the border gates. President Tatar met with officials and tradesmen regarding the preparatory work.

President Ersin Tatar made inspections at the Lokmacı Gate in Lefkoşa, which will be opened tomorrow (Friday) morning after nearly a year and a half.

During his visit to Lokmacı, President Ersin Tatar was accompanied by Security Forces Commander Major General Zorlu Topaloğlu, Police General Director Ahmet Soyalan and Presidency officials.

President Ersin Tatar examined the works carried out, received information from the authorities and spoke with the shopkeepers, where he stated that there have been serious attempts to open the border gates for some time now, which have been closed for about a year and a half due to the pandemic.

Stating that the opening of the doors was unfortunately delayed due to the pandemic conditions, President Tatar said that as a result of mutual contact, mutual understanding, and the involvement of the UN and the EU, and his online meeting with Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Anastasiades earlier, it has been decided to open the gates simultaneously at 8.00am  tomorrow (Friday) morning subject to certain conditions. Stating that the political will has become clear, President Tatar wished that the reopening of the doors would be beneficial.

“A NEW PERIOD WILL START FROM TOMORROW MORNING”

Stating that the crossings of both Greek Cypriots and tourists to the TRNC, and the Turkish Cypriots to South Cyprus have been continuing for years with mutual understanding and that with the reinstatement of crossings, a new period will begin as from  tomorrow morning.

 

“PANDEMIC IS NOT OVER; PEOPLE NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS”

Stating that the pandemic is not over and it is continuing, President Tatar emphasised that people should continue their lives in strict compliance with the requirements, undertake their tests, and those who travel from and to abroad should comply with the conditions.

Setting out the necessity to comply with the rules and regulations laid down by the Communicable Diseases High Committee and the observations of the technical committees, President Tatar pointed out that there is confidence in the Turkish Cypriot side,  health workers, health authorities and the state as they have been managing the pandemic matters well. 

“NO ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE NEGATIVE STATEMENTS… THOSE COMING TO THE TRNC NEED NOT HAVE ANY DOUBT OR WORRY”

Stating that there have been 72,000 cases in the Greek Cypriot side and 7,000 cases in the TRNC in the last one and a half years, President Tatar stated that the positive conditions in the TRNC continue, that no attention should be given to the critics, and that with the measures taken, the health conditions in the TRNC have been and are being managed well.   He stressed that those coming to the TRNC need not have any doubt or worries.

Stating that the cases in the TRNC are gradually decreasing, President Ersin Tatar said: "A large number of vaccines are expected to be received from Turkey next week and with the arrival of more vaccines in the upcoming period, there will be a great increase in inoculating further members of the public by the end of June. Therefore, it is expected that we will overcome this period by being protected.”

President Tatar thanked the tradesmen in the area for their understanding, devotion and self-sacrifice during the lock down period, and said that the TRNC economy has faced difficulties during this pandemic period.

Expressing that he believes that the opening of the doors and the revival of the economy will put a smile on the faces of the tradesmen in the area, President Tatar emphasised that pandemic measures should be adhered to and that during the forthcoming days, observation of social distance, wearing of protective masks and adhering to good hygiene measures should be continued.

Pointing out that everyone has a serious responsibility in this matter, President Tatar wished the police personnel, customs officers and all employees and tradesmen a lot of luck stating that he hopes they will all be able to benefit from the crowding that may occur and reminded everyone that in order to avoid health problems, measures should not be abandoned.

Stating that there are discussions about opening nine crossings tomorrow and not just Lokmacı, the President stated that it is believed this will bring about a positive elevation of movement in the TRNC.  Expressing that he wishes for the economy to return to its former level prior to the start of the pandemic, the President expressed his good wishes to all tradesmen, bazaars and the public for their understanding and sacrifice during this period.