THERE were signals yesterday that direct flights to the Turkish Cypriot could soon be under way after two officials from the United States Transport and Security Administration paid a two-day visit to Tymbou (Ercan) airport.
Reportedly looking into the feasibility of direct flights to the Turkish Cypriot north, the officials inspected security facilities such as baggage handling, security cameras and passes at the newly refurbished airport and were accompanied by an official from the Turkish Cypriot civil aviation authority.
While the two US officials refused to give any details concerning their identity and the purpose of their mission, a spokesman for the US Embassy told the Mail the visit was “part of an examination of obstacles in the way of direct flights to north Cyprus” and was “taken in line with the EU and UN’s policy of lifting the isolation of the north.
He added: “The results of the informal survey will be reviewed by the concerned agencies.”
The spokesman declined to comment on whether the survey would be followed by direct flights to the north, but likewise refused to rule them out.
Observers on both sides of the Green Line believe the visit could be the first tangible indication that the US is to begin direct flights to the north in the near future.
Turkish Cypriot communication and works ‘minister’ Omer Kalyoncu told the Cyprus Mail yesterday that the visit by the US officials was part of the UN’s effort to end the isolation of the north and that it could go some way to “speeding up” similar efforts being made by the EU.
“Because of the views of some member states, EU efforts to lift the isolation of the north are going very slowly. So from our point of view, the US’s role here could act to speed up the process,” he said.
He added that the US were also playing a useful role in preparing the airport in order that it be ready for direct international flights “if and when” they occurred.
“They are helping by telling us what is lacking in terms of security so that we can make the necessary arrangements,” Kalyoncu said, adding: “In one or two months we will be issuing the tender for the contract to make the necessary changes.”
He said also that from his point of view the US inspections were part of a modernisation process already under way at the airport and insisted that “already Ercan is better equipped that a great many European airports”.
The visit caused anger south of the Green Line prompting President Papadopoulos to lash out at the Americans saying, “We had been informed about the visit and we also know of Washington’s persistent efforts to open up the illegal airports in occupied Cyprus.”
He added that the government had been in touch with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and that he believed Cyprus had a strong case against what he termed “illegal moves”.
”We shall continue our efforts to face this blow to the legality and the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus,” he added.
