Turkish Cypriot leader Ünal Üstel has made changes to two posts in the administration in the north following the deadly shipwreck off Kyrenia.
Faiz Sucuoğlu has taken over the public works and transport portfolio, while Hasan Taçoy has been appointed to the economy and energy portfolio.
Two posts change hands
According to Turkish Cypriot online media, the changes came into effect following their publication in the north's "official gazette".
Olgun Amcaoğlu was removed from the economy and energy post and replaced by Hasan Taçoy, a Nicosia "MP" for the National Unity Party (UBP).
In the public works and transport portfolio, UBP Nicosia "MP" Faiz Sucuoğlu replaced Erhan Arıklı.
Arıklı's removal had been announced by Üstel following the deadly shipwreck off Kyrenia on August 30, on the grounds that investigations by the "police" and "judiciary" should be allowed to proceed without raising any suspicions of interference.
Shipwreck search is immediate priority
Speaking to online outlet Kıbrıs Postası following his appointment, Sucuoğlu said his immediate priority was reaching the wreck on the seabed and locating those still missing.
"We will plan whatever is urgent and try to resolve it all together," he said.
Sucuoğlu added that he had not asked to take on the portfolio, but believed that, given the successive developments, it may have been considered necessary to appoint someone with experience.
Looking ahead, he described lighting across the road network as a longstanding problem and said he would seek to move forward with as many issues as possible over the next three months.
Source: CNA
