Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said he had “initiated the necessary steps” after Cypriot art professor Senih Cavusoglu was refused entry to Turkey. Cavusoglu said he was turned back at Antalya airport after appearing on Turkey’s “N-82” list.
Erhurman’s response
Erhurman said in a social media post on Friday that he learned the previous night that Cavusoglu was unable to enter Turkey and was experiencing difficulties, and that after speaking with him he initiated steps to resolve the matter.
He said the relationship between the Republic of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots is “extremely special and important,” adding that many Turkish Cypriots who have faced entry bans in Turkey completed higher education there and have friendships and memories there.
Erhurman said those affected have the right to receive information from the administrators of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus regarding the procedures applied to them and the reasons for them, and to request corrections of any errors or inaccuracies.
He said he was saddened by Cavusoglu’s difficulties, but added that his duty as president was not merely to be saddened. Erhurman said it was public knowledge that since taking office he has raised the issue in all meetings with the relevant authorities in Turkey, including his most recent meeting, and that efforts to resolve uncertainties and problems would continue.
Cavusoglu’s account
Cavusoglu reported on Thursday evening that he had been turned back from Antalya airport after appearing on Turkey’s “N-82” list.
N-82 and G-82 designations
It is believed that around 15 Turkish Cypriots are on one of Turkey’s N-82 and G-82 lists. Being on the N-82 list means a person must apply in advance to the Turkish embassy in their country for pre-clearance to enter Turkey, while being on the G-82 list entails an outright ban from entering.
Neither list is publicly available, and people on them generally do not find out until they arrive in Turkey.
The Turkish government lists the N-82 designation as “juristic preference,” meaning Turkey has decided to exempt the individual from the unabridged right of entry. The G-82 designation is reserved for individuals deemed by the Turkish government to have “acted against national security.”
What information should authorities provide to affected Turkish Cypriots about entry procedures and their reasons?
