Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-05-23

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] REHN - TURKEY - CYPRUS - FLIGHTS

[01] REHN - TURKEY - CYPRUS - FLIGHTS

Rehn was speaking on behalf of the Commission in a reply to Cypriot Euro MP Marios Matsakis who, in a letter to the Commission, condemned the violation of international air traffic control regulations in the Republic of Cyprus national airspace by Turkey.

Matsakis informed the Commission that such violations endanger European and international flights from and via Cyprus and asked the Commission which effective measures it intends to take.

In his reply, Rehn said that the lack of communication between the air traffic control centres of Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus, puts at risk the safety of flights and a solution must be found the soonest on this issue.

He said the Commission raised the issue to the Turkish authorities and the (Turkey-EU) Association Committee on 22 March 2007, adding that Turkey believes that direct communication must be established primarily with the air traffic control centre of the illegal Ercan airport in Turkish occupied Tymbou, which is in the territories which the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control.

The Commission, said Rehn, reminded that Ercans air traffic control centre is not recognised by the relevant international organization, and especially the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Because safety is the absolute priority, this issue must be dealt with urgently, in the most effective manner and according to international law, he concluded.

Cyprus, an EU member state, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the islands northern third.

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