10,000 Greek Cypriots Queued on the Green Line

Meanwhile, Greek Cypriots do a lot of shopping since prices are cheaper in KKTC; but in order to prevent shopping in the Turkish side’ Greek officials remind that there is a 2- year imprisonment penalty for those Greeks who shop in KKTC. On the other side, Greek Cypriot authorities plan to issue the passport forms and identity cards in Turkish. while preparing to declare a ‘measures’ package for Turkish Cypriots.

558 Greek Cypriots came to KKTC while 717 Turkish Cypriots crossed over to the Greek Cypriot side as of noon yesterday. According to a Greek Radio broadcast 10,000 Greek Cypriots await crossing over to the Turkish side with 3 thousand vehicles at Beyarmudu checkpoint. On Thursday, the second day of free passage, 4910 Greeks crossed into KKTC. 520 Greek Cypriots came with their vehicles, 2133 Turkish Cypriots crossed to the Greek side the same day.

Greek Cypriots’ coming to KKTC caused a boom in the market. Greek Cypriots, finding cheaper products in KKTC, reportedly buy textile products, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, electronics and fish. Since gasoline is also cheaper in KKTC, Greek Cypriots fill up their tanks . However, Greek Cypriot officials instituted a 2-year imprisonment in order to prevent the shopping in Turkish side.

On the other hand, KKTC State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, son of Denktas, Serdar Denktas states that there will be TL50 million ( about $30) fine per hour for people who may be returning from the Greek Cypriot side after midnight, the end of daily free passage time.

Foreign News Services / Istanbul / TURKEY