Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has proposed the establishment of a bi-communal technical committee to address the issue of halloumi, expressing the readiness of the Turkish Cypriot side to cooperate in the fields of agriculture and livestock farming.
Referring to the challenges in tackling Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Erhürman also called for the immediate signing of the necessary agreements so that inspections can begin in the north as part of the process for safeguarding the Cypriot cheese.
In a written statement posted on social media, the Turkish Cypriot leader said he is closely monitoring the issue of foot-and-mouth disease. According to Erhürman, statements by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus frequently refer to the north.
He argued that vaccination campaigns within the Turkish Cypriot community were carried out promptly and efficiently, adding that vaccines were also provided to the government-controlled areas when the need arose.
Halloumi inspections
Referring to halloumi, Erhürman said the Turkish Cypriot side is awaiting the completion of procedures required to begin inspections, claiming that there had been a commitment for the issue to be resolved by 31 January, which has not yet materialised.
“We want to be inspected,” he said, calling on the government to sign the necessary documents.
At the same time, Erhürman recalled that the proposal to establish a bi-communal technical committee on halloumi originated from the Turkish Cypriot side. He also stressed the need for a joint response to similar risks in the agricultural sector, stating that he remains open to any form of cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Erhürman argued that the Greek Cypriot side should “stop using the Turkish Cypriot side as an excuse” in responding to internal criticism, and instead focus on its own responsibilities based on the proposals that have been put forward, so that the best outcome can be achieved for the entire island.