AN AGRICULTURE Ministry investigation into the origin of ten tonnes of potatoes found in an overturned truck in the Dhekelia British Bases last week has concluded that they, “probably originated from the occupied areas”.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry’s Agriculture Department said several signs pointed to that fact.
“They are usually packed in 25-kilo bags but in this case, we found 30 and 35-kilo bags,” said Dr Takis Antoniou. “Additionally, they were sealed by needle, and not by machine, which made us suspicious. We tested them for diseases and compared them with local potato varieties, and while we cannot be 100 per cent certain, our conclusion is that they did originate from the north.”
At first, it was generally assumed that they had been smuggled from the north, with Agriculture Minister Photis Photiou jumping on the bandwagon, as he was “privy to information which confirmed that they were Turkish produce and had been illegally smuggled over the Green Line.”
But the British High Commission urged caution, saying the possibility that they were in fact moving from the free areas to the north, couldn’t be ruled out.
Speaking on state television over the weekend, Photiou would not admit to having jumped the gun, saying that even if it were proved to be otherwise, the incident would still be classified as smuggling, as the correct procedures were not followed.
The British High Commission last night remained cautious.
“We look forward to receiving any new information the Ministry of Agriculture may have on the origin of the potatoes,” said spokesman Nigel Boud.
“As I have said, the evidence we have gathered so far suggests the potatoes were travelling from south to north, but perhaps it would be best to wait for the conclusion of the SBA police and customs investigation.”
The British Bases also issued a statement, which said: “We look forward to the evidence that proves the potatoes originated anywhere else other than the Republic of Cyprus.”
The Agriculture Minister also accused British Base authorities of carrying out insufficient inspections on vehicles crossing from the north, adding that potato smuggling is not only causing economic damage, but is also threatening consumer safety.
Responding last week to allegation that the British authorities were not doing enough to police the Green Line, Boud stated: “We are taking our responsibilities very seriously. There are 29 UK-trained customs officers with sophisticated equipment that even the Cyprus Republic doesn’t have.”
British Bases spokesman Crispin Coates reiterated the sentiment, explaining at the weekend that the authorities were taking the matter very seriously. “We are constantly seeking ways to maintain integrity at the crossover points, and we continue to work closely with the Cyprus Republic to ensure compliance is maintained at all times.”
On Monday, a mechanism which will undertake scientific tests to ascertain the origin of agricultural products transferred from the occupied areas of Cyprus to the south, was decided during a meeting chaired by Photiou.
The mechanism will also locate products that originate from Turkey.
Closer co-operation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Customs Department as well as intensification of controls by the police along the Green Line was also decided.
An official press release said the meeting, attended by officials from various departments, looked into issues regarding the illegal transportation of agricultural products from the occupied areas to the government controlled areas through the Green Line.
Photiou referred to information, according to which agricultural products of Turkish origin are transported from the occupied areas, endangering public health and the prestige of Cyprus exports.
He also underlined the need for co-operation between the services involved and asked the police and the Health Services to examine the possibility of undertaking additional and stricter controls.
The Health Services were also asked to increase the number of specimens taken and the State Laboratory to speed up the result of tests so that consumers are promptly informed.
