Nicosia, Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot cabinet was called to an emergency meeting on Saturday by “prime minister” Unal Ustel over the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Cabinet to assess security and economic risks
Ustel’s office said the meeting will see members “comprehensively assess the effects of the war and interventions launched against Iran on national and regional security balances, and the potential economic and energy-related risks”.
It added that officials will “address the latest developments in the region, potential security risks, and measures to be taken in the event of possible scenarios”.
Foreign ministry issues guidance and contact details
The north’s “foreign ministry” said it is “closely and carefully” monitoring the situation in coordination with Turkey’s foreign ministry.
It recommended that Turkish Cypriots in Iran and the wider region “remain in safe areas and closely follow the statements and warnings issued by local authorities”.
The ministry said a 24-hour “service line” can be reached at (+90) 533 851 40 06, and that Turkish Cypriots in the region can contact Turkish Cypriot representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait and Manama in an emergency.
Dubai travellers and flight disruptions
The ministry said 37 Turkish Cypriots who travelled to Dubai on holiday had contacted it, were “in good health”, and that “there is no cause for concern regarding their safety”.
It said they are expected to return to Cyprus once suspended flights resume.
Political response and airport inspection
Earlier in the day, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman said that “the region, the world, and civilisation urgently need an order where rules and international law prevail, and stability and lasting peace are established through diplomacy and on a legal basis”.
American officials visited Ercan (Tymbou) airport earlier this month to inspect its capacity for “evacuations” in the event of a regional conflict.
How do you expect the emergency meeting to affect guidance for Turkish Cypriots in the region?
