By Alexia Saoulli and Jean Christou
IN AN exclusive news bulletin last night, CyBC television revealed the government’s proposed measures to aid Turkish Cypriots’ living standards.
According to the station, the 35-page document included 11 annexes and promoted facilitating the employment of Turkish Cypriots, the movement and exportation of products from the occupied areas and the inclusion of Turkish Cypriots in the Republic’s presidential elections.
The Foreign Ministry prepared the top-secret memorandum and although several measures are still under consideration, the council of ministers is expected to approve them shortly.
CyBC said the measures are unilateral and have two primary aims: to improve Turkish Cypriots living standards so they would not leave the island and allowing them to also benefit from the island’s EU accession. Although some measures could be implemented directly, others required the cooperation of the Turkish Cypriots themselves.
One of the document’s main points was the movement of goods within Cyprus and to the European Union. Naturally, goods from the occupied areas would have to fulfil the terms, conditions and specifications for EU exportation, such as their certificates of provenance and rules of production. Their transport abroad would have to take place from internationally recognised airports and ports, said CyBC.
Referring to the employment of Turkish Cypriots, the memorandum suggested advertising jobs on the internet and accepting their applications via email. This communication could them be coordinated by a bicommunal body. The government was also considering recognising Turkish Cypriots’ qualifications from the occupied areas tertiary education institutions, as well as extending scholarships to Turkish Cypriots for the Republic’s educational facilities.
Another suggestion the document made was the introduction of the Turkish language into local secondary schools’ curriculum. This would then involve the employment of Turkish Cypriot teachers. The government was also considering offering free Greek lessons to interested Turkish Cypriots.
Finally CyBC reported the possible participation of Turkish Cypriots in the island’s national teams abroad, such as the Olympic games next year and their including in the republic’s presidential elections.
However, despite the station’s breaking story, earlier in the day, the government said it would most likely announce the measures sometime in the first two weeks of May, when they could be implemented immediately, said spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides.
The measures included the relaxation of trade restrictions, Cypriot passports and access to healthcare.
Chrysostomides said the measures would be announced by Foreign Minister George Iacovou after ”all views” including those of the EU were taken into account. The measures will be discussed with EU Chief Negotiator with Cyprus Leopold Maurer tomorrow.
