An extraordinary session of the Turkish Cypriot ‘parliament’ requested by the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) to discuss public safety failed to take place because there was no quorum.
‘MPs’ from the three ruling coalition parties, the National Unity Party (UBP), Democratic Party (DP) and Rebirth Party (YDP), did not attend.
CTP condemns coalition parties
Only CTP ‘MPs’ and independents Jale Refik Rogers and Ayşegül Baybars were present in the chamber.
Addressing those present, CTP ‘parliamentary’ group spokesman Erkut Şahali condemned the stance of the three coalition parties and said public safety should not be used as an election campaign issue.
The CTP is expected to hold a press conference on the matter later.
Arıklı accuses CTP of populism
YDP chairman Erhan Arıklı had announced in a social media post the previous evening that his party would not attend the extraordinary session, accusing the opposition CTP of populism.
Despite several concerning criminal incidents, Arıklı claimed that the self-declared ‘TRNC’ was one of the safest ‘countries’ in the world, including when compared with what he called ‘southern Cyprus’, referring to the Republic of Cyprus.
He said available figures supported this position and argued that assessments of public safety in the occupied north should be based on existing data.
Pointing to the breakaway entity’s heavy reliance on tourism and higher education, Arıklı also criticised claims that it was facing security problems.
Call for security council meeting
Arıklı described raising such claims from the ‘parliamentary’ podium for what he called “showmanship” as irresponsible.
He suggested that the CTP chair instead refer the issue to the ‘security council’ under Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and request that it be convened.
Source: CNA
