The session of the Turkish Cypriot parliament ended on Friday after 19 hours without a vote on the bill concerning the fibre-optic cable protocol, the “presidency" said. The announcement described the outcome as a “black mark” in the history of the self-declared administration.
According to the statement, the “government” participated in the proceedings with a majority of its “members”, listening to all opinions patiently. The “opposition” chose, instead of conducting a discussion with “democratic maturity”, to continue an ideological campaign, the statement said, violating the internal rules of the “parliament”.
The discussion on the issue is expected to resume next Monday. The statement blamed the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) for the session ending without results.
After the session, RTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli expressed her party’s support for trade unions, which held a protest outside the “parliament”. Support was also voiced by the leader of the Communal Justice Party, Zeki Celer.
Speaking to protesters, Ms İncirli accused the “government” of ignoring the “people”, saying that reactions would continue with a focus on love for the “homeland and the future”.
Mr Celer said the “government” was trying to pass an “agreement” contrary to the “constitution” and urged “citizens” not to accept imposed decisions.
During the protest, trade union members voiced their opposition to the bill and said they were ready to continue their demonstrations.