TRNC News 19th July 2016 - Lakadamyalı: “New entry rules do not affect TRNC citizens”

Lakadamyalı: “New entry rules do not affect TRNC citizens”

The Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Lakadamyalı stated that the new legislation covering departures from Turkey has not affected TRNC citizens and that there are no problems with identity cards at the TRNC border.

Lakadamyalı explained that the new legislation applies to Turkish citizens.

If TRNC citizens who hold dual nationality and live in Turkey receive a document from the Social Security Department which proves that they are on official visit, they can exit from Turkey with their identity cards, Lakadamyalı noted.

Celebrations for Peace and Freedom Day to start with a speech by President Akıncı

The 42nd anniversary of Peace and Freedom Day will be celebrated on the 20th July with a toned down programme. The celebrations start at 12.00pm today with a gun salute and President Mustafa Akıncı’s speech on BRT.

There will be many celebrations in the capital Lefkoşa and other cities such as Gazimağusa, Girne, Güzelyurt and İskele. The Parade will start at Dr. Fazıl Küçük Avenue at 09:30am tomorrow.

Turkish Cypriot martyrs will be remembered as part of these celebrations. Remembrance services will be held at Boğaz Cemetery for Martyrs, the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Mausoleum at Anıttepe, and the mausoleum for the late founding President of the TRNC, Rauf Raif Denktaş.

The programme for the Peace and Freedom Day celebrations has changed due to the attempted coup in Turkey on 15th July. Receptions, dinners, concerts and shows have been cancelled and some guests from Turkey have also had to cancel their visit.

Dawn Watch to be held tonight

The Dawn Watch will be held tonight as part of the programme for the 42nd anniversary of Peace and Freedom Day.

The seventh Dawn Watch will be held at 23.30 tonight at Yavuz Çıkarma Beach in Alsancak, the starting point of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation which brought peace to the Island.

According to the statement given by the Dawn Watch Organization Committee, the freedom and independence of the Turkish Cypriot people will be celebrated throughout the night and respect and gratitude will be expressed to the martyrs, veterans, soldiers and mujahids. The Air Sports Federation will fly a hot air balloon 25 metres into the air during the Dawn Watch and the traditional ‘Walk of Flames’ will be held at 00:30. The Dawn Watch will end with the Morning Prayer.

The Organization Committee of the Dawn Watch emphasized that dawn on the 20th July 1974 marked the “Salvation of the Turkish Cypriot people”.

Siber: “The undemocratic coup attempt was prevented by people’s belief in democracy”

Speaker of the Assembly Sibel Siber welcomed the Turkish War Veterans, Martyrs Widows and Orphans Association chaired by Taner Uran. The President of the Association of Martyrs Families and War Veterans, Ertan Ersan also accompanied the delegation during meeting.

Regarding the coup attempt in Turkey, Speaker of the Assembly Sibel Siber extended her condolences for those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured people. Siber said, “The undemocratic coup attempt was prevented by people’s belief in democracy and their efforts to protect it. This will be a great example for the world. Non-governmental organizations and the general public, in particular young people, must internalise the meaning of democracy for the future of the world and we will endeavour to play our part in this process. Our wish for our people and for the people all over the world is to live in peace and tranquillity.”