in-cyprus 27 May 2020 - Bouli Hadjioannou
The bicommunal Technical Committee on Health Issues will hold a teleconference on Monday to discuss the epidemiological situation on both sides of the divided island and the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci agreed last week for the Committee to meet with the aim to exchange views about the gradual lifting of restrictions at crossing points, depending on the epidemiological situation.
A well-informed source told CNA that the aim is to give room and time to the experts to explain the epidemiological situation on both sides and the measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus so that after the exchange of information there will be an evaluation of the situation all over the island and the appropriate recommendations will be made to the political leaders, who take the decisions.
The experts will pose the right questions in order to have answers and clarifications from both sides. There will be an exchange of information and views on the basis of scientific data to formulate a clear picture on the situation in Cyprus as regards the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two leaders have asked the Committee to look into the situation so that the experts will make their recommendations based on scientific criteria as to how to return to the operation of the crossing points as before the pandemic, taking into consideration the protection of the population’s health, the source told CNA.
No instructions have been given for the experts to make any commitments during this teleconference but to exchange information in order to be aware of the situation at each side, so that the appropriate recommendations which will be based on scientific data, will be made to the political leadership, the source added.
Furthermore it underlined that the crossing points will open based on scientific criteria.
President Anastasiades and Akinci arrived, during a telephone conversation, on May 21, at a mutual understanding to allow passage from crossing points for motor vehicles initially, starting on June 8. The measure applies to Turkish Cypriots working or studying in the areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, or people receiving treatment at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, public or private hospitals in the Republic of Cyprus. The same applies for enclaved Greek Cypriots or Maronites who reside permanently in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus.
Passage will also be allowed for Turkish Cypriot students crossing with a bus at Ledra Palace to go to their study places.
(CNA)
