By Alex Mita
AUTHORITIES in the north yesterday refused to allow journalists through the checkpoints saying they required a Press card from the Turkish Cypriot Press and Information Office (PIO).
Cyprus Mail reporters were yesterday turned back from the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint at Ledra Palace and were told they would have to apply for a pass through the United Nations or the Turkish Cypriots PIO 48 hours before crossing over.
In an email to the Cyprus Mail, media consultant for the ‘TRNC’ Tom Roche called for patience.
“I am sorry but for the time being the PIO is still demanding 48-hours’ notice (before allowing access to journalists),” Roche said.
“Journalists will not be accompanied by minders. We are making every effort to overcome this but it is not simply a matter of instructing the PIO to drop this demand. I’m sure you can understand the politics involved. Please bear with me.”
Journalists’ Union president Andreas Kannaouros slammed the authorities in the north, saying the move breached international law.
“I don’t know why they are doing this, but it confirms the fraud behind the measures for free movement announced by (Turkish Cypriot leader) Rauf Denktash,” Kannaouros said.
“This sort of move means that the walls that separate the island are still there and that Denktash is not an honest man.
“There should be free access to not only journalists but for all Greek Cypriots, he said. Free movement is a fundamental human right,” he added.
If Denktash and (Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip) Erdogan want to be honest, they would have to put an end to this division and let the people be united, he added.
“This is a direct breach of the right of every journalist to be allowed free movement to cover events anywhere in the world and without hindrance,” Kannaouros said.
Police yesterday denied reports that some Greek and Turkish Cypriots were breaking the 12am deadline. Reports said 2,334 of a total 3,288 Turkish Cypriots had returned by midnight on Thursday, while 2,968 out of 5,434 Greek Cypriots had crossed back.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail yesterday police spokesman Demitris Demitriou said everyone had returned by midnight.
“The reports are not true,” he said. “All Greek Cypriots returned to the free areas before the midnight deadline.”
The Cyprus Mail learned of one incident where a man returned to the free areas at 6am yesterday morning.
The Turkish Cypriot authorities yesterday announced that from Monday, a fine of 50 million Turkish Cypriot lira (£17) would be charged for each hour Greek Cypriots remain in the north after the end of the deadline.
