Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said sanctions restricting the entry to Turkey of more than 15 Cypriots have been lifted. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel said the process has been underway for about four years and is not yet complete.
Erhurman announcement
Erhurman said at a press conference that “the restrictions on entry to Turkey for a certain number of our friends have been lifted” and that he informed the affected individuals individually. He said he was “talking about a figure of more than 15.”
He added that consultations and efforts on the issue would continue, and that the matter “needs to be addressed seriously and calmly.”
Turkey’s N-82 and G-82 lists
A number of Cypriots had found themselves on Turkey’s N-82 and G-82 lists, which entail restrictions on entry.
The N-82 listing means a person must apply in advance to the Turkish embassy in their country for pre-clearance to enter Turkey. The G-82 listing entails an outright ban from entering Turkey.
Neither list is publicly available, and those affected generally do not find out until they arrive in Turkey.
Turkey 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.”
Ustel response
Ustel said he is “closely following the political assessments and public statements” on the matter.
He said the process has been underway for approximately four years “with the knowledge and oversight of our government,” and added that his administration was aware of developments and had received “good news regarding the individuals involved from the relevant institutions earlier this week.”
Ustel said the process “is not yet complete” and “is still ongoing,” adding that “we do not find it appropriate to turn such a sensitive process into a success story for a political party, to make it a subject of public polemics, and to use it as political fodder.”
How do you think authorities should communicate sensitive travel restriction decisions to affected people?