"Turkish Cypriot truckers call off checkpoint blockade
TURKISH Cypriot truck drivers yesterday called off a blockade planned for today in which they had threatened to close all crossing points if the Turkish Cypriot authorities did not act to prevent Greek Cypriot trucks entering the north.
A spokesman for the truck drivers’ union told the Cyprus Mail that it was decided the blockade would not take place. “We don’t want to cause chaos. We just want to work,” the spokesman said.
The threat came earlier in the week after the unions learned that a fleet of Greek Cypriot lorries would be entering the north today to pick up a consignment of citrus fruits from the Morphou region.
Currently, Turkish Cypriot goods vehicles and public transport vehicles, including taxis and rented cars, are prevented from entering the south unless drivers carry a Republic of Cyprus licence. Unions are calling on the Turkish Cypriot authorities to impose similar restrictions on Greek Cypriot commercial vehicles.
However, the union spokesman said yesterday they had decided to hold off on their action after the ‘government’ in the north agreed to meet with them next Tuesday."
More:Turkish Cypriot truckers call off checkpoint blockade