EU says ue of north ports not illegal

THE EUROPEAN Commission does not consider illegal the use of ports in occupied northern Cyprus, an EU official has said.

In a reply to a question European MP Marios Matsakis regarding a controversial ferry service between occupied Famagusta and Syria, EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the use of ports in the north was not prohibited.

“Based on the general principles of international law, entry and exit of vessels from sea ports in the northern part of Cyprus is not prohibited,” Rehn is quoted as saying in an announcement released by Matsakis.

“The Commission is not in a position to intervene regarding the Syrian authorities,” the EU official said.

Matsakis had asked for the condemnation of “Syria’s unacceptable stance on the issue” and a warning that continuing this could have repercussions on its relations with the EU.

Rehn’s comment did not come as a surprise to the Cypriot government.

“Mr Rehn’s and in general the European Commission’s approach is clearly legalistic,” Government Spokesman Vasilis Palmas said.

The spokesman said the Commission’s position is nothing new and is “directly connected with the position and view on direct trade with which we disgree.”

The Commission has been trying for years to open direct trade with the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state, something which Nicosia strongly rejects arguing it would mean indirect recognition.

“As the Republic of Cyprus, we try to safeguard our state’s interests, with every way and means,” Palmas said.

Meanwhile, the ferry service was suspended around two weeks ago after Georgia struck the vessel from its registry.

The much-advertised service started in October but was not doing well and recently cut back to one trip a week from two, due to low passenger numbers.

On top of that, it had turned into a convenient means for illegal immigrants to gain entry into the government-controlled areas and Europe through the occupied north.