President Ersin Tatar on Monday said that despite possessing all criteria of being a state, the TRNC, in violation of the Chicago Convention, was being subject to unjust embargoes on the issue of direct flights.
The president’s words came during an address at a symposium organised by the Akdeniz Karpaz University to mark the 7th of December International Civil Aviation Day.
He said that even though political recognition is not granted, it was necessary for the international community to accept the Turkish Cypriot people as interlocutors so as to enable them to develop their economy and raise their standard or quality of living.
Tatar pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot people were being subjected to unfair and unjust treatment while the Greek Cypriots were enjoying international recognition through the so-called Republic of Cyprus as if they represented the whole island.
“All flights to and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus take place through Turkey. Even those countries which have close relations with us are afraid to conduct direct flights to and from Ercan,” he said.
Also touching upon the new terminal building at Ercan, President Ersin Tatar said that several delays are being experienced in opening the new airport.
He however added that the new airport and runway was built to international standards.