After the embargo : Cyprus

Countries committed to help the TRNC can’t revise their policies in just a few days in line with the new situation. Many important developments in the TRNC’s favor have occurred since the April 24 referendums. In this respect, Washington is one step ahead of the EU. Recently TRNC Premier Mehmet Ali Talat was received graciously by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who addressed him as ‘Mr. Prime Minister.’ These things always have political meaning. The US is looking for ways to end restrictions in both international transportation and commerce. The EU is trying hard to lift the embargo as well. Two months from now, direct commercial and tourist traffic between the TRNC and the EU countries will begin. Meanwhile, the EU, just like the US, will be represented with a new office on the Turkish side.

Now the Turkish side should try hard to end its isolation and to integrate itself with the world. If the restrictions on commerce and tourism are lifted, the TRNC must quickly pass new regulations to reap the maximum benefit. In this respect, the TRNC’s Ercan Airport was recently opened to air traffic after two years’ work. However, nobody should expect a boom in commerce or tourism or have unrealistic hopes. As TRNC Chamber of Trade head Ali Erel said recently, many things need to be done about on both these issues. Even if we think that the TRNC will export goods directly from its ports, products such as citrus fruits, textiles and minerals should have a quality and price on par with foreign markets. However, costs are high, there is a lack of investment in the TRNC, and its laws and regulations aren’t in line with the EU. The total number of hotel rooms in the TRNC is 12,000. A great deal of work is necessary to raise this number and promote the TRNC abroad. In sum, neither saying ‘the embargo should be lifted’ nor even actually lifting will suffice. The actual work starts with the necessary regulations.”