Border problems

Toon Army


Joined: 09/04/2007
Posts: 50


Message Posted:
09/04/2007 16:59

When we came over in May 2006 we flew to Larnaca airport and drove over the Nicosia border. No problems going from south to north however on our way back to catch our flight home we were stopped by the Greek police at the border, had our suitcase checked and all our paperwork taken off us.They also took phoptocopies of our passports. Has anyone else had problems at the border or do you fly to Ercan.If anyone flies to Ercan who do you fly with. We fly to Larnaca as it is a lot cheaper. Any one had any good deals to Ercan airport ? Please let me know.

B&BLondon


Joined: 31/01/2007
Posts: 64


Message Posted:
09/04/2007 19:14

We are going to fly into Larnaca for the fist time in April - we found Thomas Cook flights much cheaper than any other - i'm a bit apprehensive and your message hasn't made me feel any better!



We know lots of people who have flown in and out of Larnaca without any problems, so maybe its just how the Greeks are feeling on the day!



We have also booked for May 25th (start of half term) to Ercan with Turkish Airlines from Stansted for about £250 (£77 of which goes to Mr Brown!) We had little choice because my friend is a teacher so we were limited to when we could travel.

spireite


Joined: 21/02/2007
Posts: 17


Message Posted:
09/04/2007 20:36

Just returned to UK after a week in Cyprus, flew with Thomas Cook into larnaca, no problems at the border either way. From what I gather it has been a bit more relaxed going North to South recently.



Hope you have short legs, never had so little leg room on a flight, Thomas Cook are the cheapest but also the most uncomfortable.

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
09/04/2007 20:50

There are no problems going from North to South PROVIDED you DO NOT have any documentation relating to property in the North.



If you have any docs you need in the UK post them to yourself from the North before you leave.

butters


Joined: 27/12/2006
Posts: 10


Message Posted:
09/04/2007 21:03

Returned to UK yesterday no problems at the border just checked the passport,

customs officer never left his cabin.

Good flight with 1st Choice Holidays , flight only booked on line at a very good price.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 604


Message Posted:
10/04/2007 10:39

We live her perm. but would never take the chance of finding a customs officer on a bad day so always fly from Ercan. Might cost more but that is our choice.



Also it is not just one way have seen days with 8/10 South side hire cars waiting to be searched by our customs on our side. Do not forget all cars are readily identified by number plate.



As for carrying documents, just don't!!!!!!!!! Other than passport do you need the original of any document?? Why not scan contracts etc on to PC and download onto printer here either in internet cafe, your estate agent or friend. Far safer all around. Also I would not recommend posting originals, these are valuable documents. Either fly to Ercan or ask someone to take them out through Ercan for you.



The chances of being searched and documents confiscated are slim but why take that risk.



David

ttoli


Joined: 24/03/2007
Posts: 250


Message Posted:
10/04/2007 11:22

The other thing that they look for is cigarettes, they allow each person 2 packs (40), any thing over that they fine you for.for flights to Ercan try http://www.greenislandholidays.com (N. London), but now summers here Charters are far cheaper

Mountain Edge



Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 64


Message Posted:
11/04/2007 13:52

We fly into the south all the time and have had no problems at all at the Border. We do get stopped for passport and a look in the boot but they take my word that we have no cigarettes or alcohol, which we haven't, and have never been searched yet. Touch wood.

Toon Army, with a name like that you must be from Newcastle even though you are down as Barnsley.

Mountain Edge



Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 64


Message Posted:
11/04/2007 13:55

ps I would fly into Ercan but from up here in Newcastle it is easier to go via south.

Have flown Thomas Cook and XL as well as others and found XL to have good legroom. I am booked to fly Thomsonfly next time so will have to wait and see what they are like. Anybody flown with them before?

malteser


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 35


Message Posted:
11/04/2007 21:32

returned from north cyprus today - flew out of ercan - obviously a longer flight but very straight forward and a great airport - 10 minute delay! Last year, flew into/out of larnaca with XL - was stopped at border and had suitcases searched - Greeks just wanting to make their presence felt and be a nusiance -found but did not confiscate my infomation on different properties - then had a 24 hour delay returning home - XL have a reputation for combining several flights onto one plane as was our experience - Larnaca airport is also awful - will not repeat the experience for any price!

Patience


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 2


Message Posted:
12/04/2007 14:15

Just flew in yesteray from Larnaca with Thomas Cook. The flight was OK but the legroom was really bad, and the seats really uncomfortable. It was near impossible to get comfy, and have any sort of shut eye. Will try Ercan next time we think, even if it does take a little longer.



We got thru the border OK - just a check of the passports and suitcase. It wasn't much bother really.

Boredhousewife



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 892


Message Posted:
12/04/2007 17:13

Hi



Why do they check suitcases at the border? Are they funny about property details or stuff like that even when you are crossing south to north?

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 316


Message Posted:
12/04/2007 19:30

We flew into Larnarca last February. No probs either way, although they did open my suitcase on the way back but we weren't kept long. Just heard from our travel agent that CTA have added an extra £120 or so to our holiday tickets for this summer so have swapped to Pegasus (new company flying to Ercan) and they are about £16 pp cheaper than the original CTA price so you might want to look at their prices.

malteser


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 35


Message Posted:
13/04/2007 00:27

anyone got any info on pegasus flights - when i commented on the usual 'cheeriness' and dismissiveness of the CTA staff on the flight home this week, pegasus was mentioned - someone said not to bother - they wouldn't recommend them for quality of service - can anyone also comment on amount of leg room, punctuality etc.

Kitty1



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 269


Message Posted:
16/04/2007 09:57

I do Larnanca all the time as I find the whole up-down-up-down thing of flying from Ercan too much like hard work and the prices of the flights can be high I also find the serive on CTA is terrible.



I've never ever had a problem over the border. Yes, they check our cases sometimes but it's never been an issue as we've never carried paperwork or cigarettes/alcohol. I wouldn't let one bad time put you off as flying out of Larnanca gives you a lot more options and flexibility.

simba


Joined: 16/04/2007
Posts: 7


Message Posted:
16/04/2007 10:47

Hi we have been travelling back and fore for past 2yrs we fly into larnaca and motor through to famagusta and we have never had a problem.The cheapest flight we had to ercan was £199 and that was last march

Good luck

Toon Army


Joined: 09/04/2007
Posts: 50


Message Posted:
16/04/2007 14:13

sorry about the late reply to toonarmy from Barnsley.Yes I am a Geordie who has married a Yorkshire lass.Been in Barnsley for about 15 years but I am still Black & white at heart.May even have a black & white bedroom in my new property in Esenteppe.

B&BLondon


Joined: 31/01/2007
Posts: 64


Message Posted:
14/05/2007 17:14

Just returned from TRNC. Flew Larnaca for the first time and had our car hire company (from North) pick us up. No problems at border - we were asked going North to South if we had cigarettes or alcohol, and customs officer did pen our suitcase and havee quick look. Check in at Larnaca was horrendous.



Overall, i would still prefer to fly to Ercan, even with the 'up-down-up-down-up-down' business! Personally, i was nervous at the crossing even though i had no reason to be.



Remember to add on the £40 transfer cost and the fact that to buy cigarettes at Ercan are much cheaper than at Larnaca (for a friend - honest!)

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 717


Message Posted:
14/05/2007 21:47

My partner and I make 5/6 trips a year via Larnaca, never any trouble both greek and turkish very friendly at famagusta crossing. Booking early british airways or cyprus airways usually around 200pounds plus 40 taxi, good service, reasonable legroom and pretty good time-keeping only 4hours direct, over to you Ercan!

cheers

p

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 88


Message Posted:
26/05/2007 21:00

just got back..via larnaca..no probs at all straight through.

Oknala



Joined: 29/05/2007
Posts: 60


Message Posted:
29/05/2007 20:51

Always flown to Larnaca, never been any bother at crossings, either way, but South do want to know if you know the limit for ciggies and drink, once we were over limit with drink and told the South, but no problem. I'd love to fly to Ercan, but it's so expensive, and some people have told me planes and staff not v nice to passengers.



Good tip when going from North to South, get out of car and open the boot ready for inspection - that goes down well, they kind of have a quick look, and wish you a good journey. I respect each both side, and I won't take what I'm not allowed into the North, anymore than I take into the South what's not allowed.



BTW, is it right now that we can buy honey in the South as well and take it into the North? No, I am not being sarcastic, it's little things like this that show each side is getting more lenient with each other.

natjay


Joined: 02/06/2007
Posts: 3


Message Posted:
02/06/2007 03:27

got ba flights to paphos in july 07 with teleticket travel for £170 all in! Ba.com wanted £260



had bad experiances with xl and first choice did BA and would always go BA again

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1228


Message Posted:
29/07/2007 14:11

did the metehan crossing july 2007no probs border police very friendly,distinct lack of sin posting for the border though

Verticalsmile


Joined: 15/07/2007
Posts: 18


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 13:25

excellent lets all pump money into the Greek Cypriot aviation authority and local economy, and then slag off CTA and Turkish Airways for their poor service its a shame to see people coming to buy in the TRNC while not supporting the economy by flying with our airlines.

Susie


Joined: 06/06/2007
Posts: 85


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 14:01

Vertical smile - personally i agree with your sentiments but not sure if i would have put it in quite those terms

norths4me


Joined: 19/04/2007
Posts: 150


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 14:26

Vertical smile,



Nice sentiment and agree to a certain extent. CTA cancelled their service out of Scotland & Ireland therefore making it to expensive & unpraticle to fly to Ercan from the South of England.



If flights were available even once a week from Scotland then I would fly to Ercan before the Southern airports. If CTA want more support then they have to provide a better service in lots of ways for travellers ie flights from more regional airports improved prices and improved customer pr or else they will not survive in a competitive market.

Verticalsmile


Joined: 15/07/2007
Posts: 18


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 14:33

My wife took our 6 month old daughter to the Ledra border last week and was kindly told by the GC's that our daughter was free to cross to the darkside but my wife would have to return to the sunnyside.



Charming bunch don't ya think!?!

stevie-d



Joined: 13/07/2007
Posts: 383


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 15:49

Vertical Smile I agree with Norths4me. I live in Scotland always travelled CTA then they stopped the flights, now flying from Stanstead, Heathrow or Gatwick is a pain. I have never flown to Larnaca but I`m seriously considering this opotion.Wish CTA or one of the other airlines would fly from Scotland.

wearytravellers



Joined: 27/04/2007
Posts: 94


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 22:36

My wife and I fly Turkish Airlines into Istanbul (stopover), then onward to Ercan after we spend a couple of days sightseeing. Has anyone ever thought of doing that ? the cost difference is marginal and the service is good. We normally stay at the Yigitalp hotel, small, but clean and comfortable and close enough to all the main attractions. foe a few pence, you can get tokens for the Trams and they go everywhere........great fun.



Seriously give it a go if you can, you will not be dissapointed !

davidoff


Joined: 21/04/2007
Posts: 366


Message Posted:
01/08/2007 23:09

Hi all,



Would also have to agree with vertical smile that we should be supporting trnc otherwise the GCs will think aahhh.... great tourism is booming in SC but really everyones hoping over the borders!!



But yes lack of flights to ercan and not being able to fly direct is a major issue that needs to be resolved and Im sure once it is then more will go ercan instead!!!

As at the moment people will always try to find cheaper and easier options to go to cyprus!

Roll on direct flights- then SC will soon see the money and tourists plummet!!



See ya D

jac k


Joined: 15/10/2007
Posts: 30


Message Posted:
01/11/2007 20:40

We recently flew from Stansted to Ercan (with T.A.) stopping over at Istanbul - the service was excellent & staff most helpful and accomodating. My husband is 6ft 6 tall and really struggles with B.A. flights (even with xtra leg room) but on the Turkish flight the leg room was huge (& we were in regular seats). Our biggest hassle was getting a connecting flight from Newcastle to Stansted & had to wait 4 hours due to the time differences and the 3 hours needed for check in!! I would fly Turkish everytime - just wish we could get flights from Newcastle or Teesside. Also, flight was punctual, luggage turnaround very speedy and in flight food was far better than our recent flight with Thomas Cook.

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
01/11/2007 21:53

hi there guys

vertical smile is correct (a bit harsh but direct)

you know what it is with kthy when they intially started as a airline they only catered for the turkish cypriots who mostly lived in london, manchester and birmingham because n cyprus was not known for tourisim and now thats changing

i must say i do know someone who works for cta who is north cyprus's holiday company in london and he said to me even thou they have been talking about it for some time they mite possibley start a limited service running from airports more north than manchester he also said the best way to acheive this is to send emails requesting this direct to kthy so this might be a good start



ps wearytravellers are right for sense of adventure go to istanbul many great sites and steped in history and is the only place where the mediterranean meets asia i love the place i visit it many times im only 30mins away by plane

in marmaris where i spend most of the time aswell as n cyprus

regards to all

Perry



Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 158


Message Posted:
02/11/2007 11:32

Is there a web site you can book flights to Ercan with KTHY or Turkish Airlines ? Turkish says they do not have permission to sell and I cant get on to KTHY

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
02/11/2007 12:00

hi perry

below ive provided a link to their website they have also started e-booking so you can book direct with instead of going through a middle man (agent)

or you can phone them directly on their greater london office

Tel: (+44) 207 241 5523 email north@kthylondon.co.uk

inner london office number is Tel: (+44) 2079304851

their email is info@kthylondon.co.uk

or i know of two agents that provide cheap tickets one is cta based again in london Tel: (+44) 0870 600 1123

and the other one is diplomat travel tel no (+44) 207 730 2201

these agents specialize in turkey and north cyprus so you will get a good deal from them

good luck and hope this helps you

regards

ukturk

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1228


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 19:58

is it true that the tukish police on the border crossings are starting to confiscate items from people,even chocolate bars from babies.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 1629


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 20:42

oh dodger you must be jesting ,i have'nt heard anything like that happening

regards simbas

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 21:06

I don't think dodger is joking

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 717


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 21:09

dodger, sounds like GC propaganda to me crossed border dozens of times ,trnc police always polite and friendly.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 1629


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 21:19

same here we have had no problems either , where did you hear that dodger ?

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 756


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 22:44

Perhaps this is the source? Surprise, surprise it GC!



North police take candy from a baby

By Jean Christou

AUTHORITIES IN the north have resorted to taking candy from a baby – literally, according to reports of a clampdown on Turkish Cypriots shopping in the south.

“They have grabbed the chocolate bar from the child’s hand,” read the headline in yesterday’s Afrika newspaper, which describes how a Turkish Cypriot police officer at the Ayios Dhometios crossing grabbed the chocolate bar from a two-year-old child’s hand and threw it away.

The chocolate bar was purchased in the south by the child’s father after a visit to an amusement park.

One of the chocolate bars was in the plastic bag. The other one was in the hands of the child who was eating it, Afrika said.

“Do you know what our custom guards did? They seized the chocolate bar which was in the bag as ‘illegal item’ and they took the other chocolate bar from the hands of the child and threw it in the garbage.”

Over the last two weeks, reports of harassment and ‘terrorisation’ of Turkish Cypriot shoppers have been on the increase. The reports have drawn heavy fire from political parties and unions in the north and there have been calls to place EU observers at the crossing points.

Last Saturday another Turkish Cypriot man who bought two office chairs for £35 each had both seized at Ayios Dhometios. Officers dealing with smuggling were called to the checkpoint and the man wad fined 117 Turkish lira (£40).

The man said he would refuse to pay and would prefer to go to court, but the ‘Finance Minister Ahmet Uzun said the chairs were not covered by the €135-euro shopping allowance limit. Uzun said the allowance concerned only shopping for presents.

At least two papers likened the clampdown to the sixties when TMT member Cemal Hordan initiated the ‘Turk to Turk’ campaign.

Referring to Hordan, one paper said he used to beat Turkish Cypriots who bought goods from Greek Cypriots and fined any Turkish Cypriot caught speaking Greek, two shillings for every word they said.

Afrika’s Sener Levent said it was obvious that Turkish Cypriot authorities would have closed the crossing points by now if they could.

Communal Democracy Party (TDP) deputy Mustafa Akinci told ‘parliament’ that Turkish Cypriots were being harassed at the crossing points.

He said instead of the authorities in the north resorting to intimidation, they should just inform people what they could or could not purchase.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 756


Message Posted:
29/11/2007 22:47

Perhaps a more accurate portrayal?

North authorities clamp down on south purchases

By Elias Hazou



AUTHORITIES IN the north are clamping down on Turkish Cypriots shopping in the south.



According to the Turkish Cypriot media, a number of people returning to the north have been fined ostensibly for exceeding the 135 euro limit on the value of goods purchased in the government-controlled south.



In one case, a Turkish Cypriot who bought two office chairs had them confiscated at the checkpoint by ‘police’.



The man was then fined £40 for this violation, the same reports said.



Under the banner ‘Caution: severe fines’, Kibris warned Turkish Cypriots that the regime was implementing its crackdown on shoppers.



It said that authorities there were concerned that too much money was being spent in the south.



Other newspapers carried comments by Turkish Cypriot ‘Finance Minister’ Ahmet Uzun, who said that the 135 euros quota did not apply to such items as furniture.



Uzun also claimed that most consumer goods in the north were cheaper than in the south, contrary to popular perception among Turkish Cypriots.



The crackdown has been debated in the Turkish Cypriot parliament, with opposition parties saying authorities’ actions were in breach of the Green Line Regulation.



Last March reports surfaced that Turkish Cypriot customs police might act to prevent all trade with the Greek Cypriot side, including shopping, if the government continued to block the implementation of a direct trade agreement between the north and the EU.



The Green Line Regulation introduced by the EU in the aftermath of Cyprus’ accession to the bloc.



The regulation was introduced as a way of kick-starting trade between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities after the Greek Cypriot side’s rejection of the UN’s Annan plan to reunite the island in 2004.

Gooner


Joined: 24/11/2007
Posts: 12


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 12:22

Hello



Wıth xmas fast approachıng Im sure the guards at the border wıll have a wry smıle on thıer faces as they contımue wıth theır searches!



Recently a freınd returned wıth a table football game for hıs kıds and was asked to pay tax at the border for ıt. He prompty turned around and returned the ıtem.



Others have complaıned that they are heavıly scrutınısıng all purchases, and at tımes matchıng ıtems wıth receıpts. Oh well, Im off 2moro fıngers xssed need a pool table and have a massıve cravıng for fresh cream!



Probably end up stuffıng my face ıf they even mentıon confıscatıng the cakes!

Georgie Girl


Joined: 04/08/2007
Posts: 13


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 12:33

i travelled accross the border yesterday with a friend who actually asked a customs official what we could bring back..

His reply was absolutley nothing!!!!!!!

On our return we asked again and were told 135e worth of goods but no meat dairy or supermarket shopping..also it could depend on who was on duty !!

People in the north are being forced to buy their shopping in the south as its almost half the price of the shops here.

When the shop owners put their prices down ,people will be more inclined to support them instead of being ripped off!

Lets not also forget my money is mine to spend where i want to spend it ,not where i'm told to.

Boredhousewife



Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 892


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 13:02

When we were over in October we went to Ikea in a large taxi (Vito) and bought back £450 worth of stuff and were not asked a single question! we took the chance but were told if you are in a taxi they dont generally stop you as they think you are being transported from the airport.

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 13:10

This may be a way round things, take one or two suitcases with you put a luggage label on them so as it looks as if you have just landed at Larnaca and are coming to the TRNC on holiday. I would have thought it would be unlikely that they search them.

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 13:31

hi guys

i dont know what crosing you guys use but me family and friends all go over a lot and we go over using the famagusta crossing and when i was over in october my friend bought a ps3 from carrefour and we treated ourselves and spent over 200euros on food shopping like cheese-sauces-chocs for the other half and loads of other stuff because any english products in turkey are expensive we came back got stopped they looked in the car full of items and they did not bater a eye lid even thou we was talking to them in turkish

so maybe if you guys getting greif at any of the other crossings should use the one in famagusta

regards

ukturk

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 14:01

ukturk



You crossed in October and were ok, since the middle of November there has been a clampdown so wherever you now cross you risk having stuff confiscated.

Georgie Girl


Joined: 04/08/2007
Posts: 13


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 14:08

thats right depending of course whos on duty and what mood they are in !!!

Its outrageous.Who ever makes up the rules here as is most often the case will change them again and again and again ,there is never any continuity to the rules and regs here,we'd all be alot happier if we knew where we stood with things and everyone was singing from the same song sheet!

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 15:40

Georgie Girl



Bit like the UK them Labour make up the rules then ignore them

Alasian


Joined: 11/08/2007
Posts: 90


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 16:01

South Eastern Europe is very different from North and Western Europe. Unfortunately Cyprus is in one of the least developed parts of Europe in many aspects-work discpline,infrastructure,cultural understanding, etc.



So, you must be clear about what you are expecting. For example, when was the last time the Scottish have killed the whole English village or the English the whole Scottish village just because they were English/Scottish? I reckon "at least" more than a century ago maybe twice,three times that. But in Cyprus just 30 years ago, innoncent children, women,men were massacred just for the language they speak or the religion they belong to.



Here is a documentary by a Greek Cypriot about Greek terrorists killing all of the villagers of Murataga,Atlilar and Sandallar villages in 1974.



http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=-7695688617775364591



Here are some quick facts to get you going about the Cyprus problem:



*In 1963 Greek Cypriots(GCs) occupied the common Republic of Cyprus(RoC), and since then the whole world calls the GCs Cyprus or RoC and call us the poor little TC minority. This is like Germany occupying England, calling the occupation government the English government and the whole world accepting the occupation government as the English government, isolating the real English government in favour of the occupation power.



*Since 1963, GCs have had the sole use of the legislative,executive and judiciary powers of the RoC, effectively turning it into a GC state.



*Between 1963 and 1974, the GCs tried to exterminate us, yet the whole world called and still calls their leadership "Cyprus" not just GC leadership.



*Between 1963 and 74, THOUSANDS of TCs were massacred and the current leader of the GCs, the barbarian named Papadopullos today says that "Not a single TC was killed between 63 and 74"

Yet the whole world calls him the "Cyprus President" not the GC president.



*The 1974 operation brought peace to the Turkish Cypriots, but the whole world recognises it as the invasion of Cyprus, as if the GCs were the only owners and their objection is enough to deem it as an occupation.



*Between 1974 and 1983, we have found the Turkish Cypriot Federated State of Cyprus and waited for the GCs to join us in a federation.



*But the GCs kept on getting richer using the stolen title "Republic of Cyprus" and didnt want to give up their occupation of the state.



*Contrary to the intransigence of the GCs, North Cyprus even after 1974 kept on being embargoed.



*We cannot export our national cheese hellim/halloumi, yet the GCs are exporting hundreds of millions of pounds worth halloumi into EU.



*We cannot fly directly to our country, but we have to land first in Turkey. So,rightfully some of the tourists,residents and Cypriots choose to land in south and pass over to north cyprus. The result is Our airports and airlines losing profit that belongs to north cyprus.



*We cannot get low interest credit from International institutions as GCs have been exploiting those resources since 1963. The GCs have built fantastic high ways all around south cyprus while we are still struggling to have very simple 2 lane roads between our cities as we cannot get credit from anywhere but Turkey.



*There are 6 Universities in North Cyprus with around 50 thousand students. But these students are punished and they cannot join the European student exchange programs.



*No Turkish Cypriot sportsman/woman can ever compete in an international competition.



*No foreign team can play any type of match with a TC team.



*If a ship stops at a Turkish Cypriot harbour, the Greek Cypriots will arrest the captain in case he travels to South Cyprus.



*There are 6 European Parliament seats reserved for Cyprus. 2 of them legally belong to Turkish Cypriots but the GCs occupied the seats and the TC MPs go to the parliament meetings only as observers without the right to speak.



*The European delegations that visit Cyprus instead of helping the TCs get rid of the 40 years of barbaric embargoes, wastes its time going to GC propaganda places like Varosha, worrying about making the poor! GCs richer by handing over Varosha.



*Even TC artists that are attending international events are prevented to attend by the Greek Cypriots.



*We can never watch international organizations seeing our nation being represented. Cyprus in Eurovision is Greek Cypriots, Cyprus in World Cup is Greek Cypriots, Cyprus in World Rally is Greek Cypriots...



*Foreign artists are frightened by the GCs not to ever visit north Cyprus.



*The whole world Recognises the GCs as the Republic of Cyprus. At the real republic of cyprus, Turkish and Greek were the official languages.



But after the GC occupation of the republic of cyprus, Turkish is only used for show purposes such as on IDs, and Passports.



Even so, if the GCs claim that they are the RoC, the official language Turkish should have become the official language of the EU.



But this has not become, preventing many TCs from finding jobs in the EU institutions.



*Turkish Cypriot TV stations are jammed by Greek Cypriot ones and whenever a TC stations broadcast frequency is occupied by the GCs, the TCs simply retreat and choose a new frequency.



*The Greek Cypriots refuse to cooperate even communicate with the TC police, as they deem everything Turkish Cypriot illegal. If a murdered escapes to south cyprus, there is no way the GCs will hand him over to North



*Turkish Cypriots have voted yes to a Federation Plan supported by the whole world in 2004, but the Greek Cypriots voted no and continued their occupation of the Republic of Cyprus, getting rewarded with full EU entry.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------



Now specifically about this chocolate incident:



*The Afrika newspaper in North Cyprus is an extremely racist newspaper published in Turkish. They are racist and are against all nations of the world except the Greeks and ask for the TCs to assimilate inside the GC community.



*Old name of their newspaper was Avrupa(Europe) but they changed to Afrika after some of their writers were jailed for being a Greek spy.



*They all the time make fake provocative news like all the racist activities in the world that use human emotions for their sake. This taking chocolate from baby is an example to this.



*Their vote in the elections is around 1%.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------



About buying things from south cyprus:



*Since the opening of the gates between south and north cyprus in 2003 the GCs have been very strict about bringing goods from North cyprus to south.



*There were cases where few packets of cigarettes from north were confiscated by GC authorities.



*The GCs that pass to North , very very rarely eat from TC businesses in North but they rather bring sandwiches, pray at a church and go back to south.



*The TCs that go to South Cyprus mostly do not limit their shopping. They shop as if they were shopping in North Cyprus . In fact, until very recently big passenger buses were carrying TC shoppers between Ledra Palace border gate and GC shopping centers.



*According to GC statistics, 3/10 of every person at Orphanides shopping centre in South Nicosia is a TC.



So, what we should see is that,



1)TCs are under embargoes and the TC economies size is 2billion$

GCs keep RoC under occupation and the size of their economy is around 25 billion $.



2)The GCs have illegally joined the EU, and are benefiting from free movement of capital and goods within the EU. But the TCs are imposed heavy duty taxes when exporting to EU.



3)The TCs are even imposed very heavy duty taxes when exporting to Turkey. Because the EU forces Turkey to impose strict import restrictions on North Cyprus.



4)Many of the TC importers, manufacturers,tradesmen were ringing alarm bells as most face bankruptcy against uneven competition from South Cyprus.



5)There is foot and mouth disease in South Cyprus that should be prevented from passing to north cyprus.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------



Personally, i am not against shopping in South Cyprus to a limited extent. For example, unfortunately the islamization of our ancestors costed us in us losing our ancient pork foods that we still can find in South Cyprus. So, i definately buy such products from south unless there is a health problem like there is now in south.



Also, as South Cyprus is not under embargoes, they have greater opportunities to increase their life standard and have better shopping centres where more international food can be found. Like Brie Cheese from France or Cathedral Cheddar from England or Pancetta from Italy, etc. Also, as they are in the EU, most of the non-GC products are far cheaper in South Cyprus. So, shopping ability in South Cyprus certainly increases/or keeps high the life or eating quality.



We are far more advanced than the Greek Cypriots in terms of humanism, peace and understanding. So it is normal that while they confiscated a single cigarette from GCs going back to South and while the GCs come to North with sandwiches not to spend a penny in TC businesses we have spent tens of millions of pounds in South and flocked to GC shopping centers and restaurants and pubs. We were also allowed to bring stuff upto a understandable sum of money like 135€.



But now there are 2 major concerns of the TRNC government. The destruction of the TC businessman due to inequal competition from South and the contagious foot and mouth disease in South Cyprus. This has made the controls more strict i reckon.



In conclusion, i think the TRNC government should have a consistent but limited allowance on shopping in South. Just because the GC side is acting arrogant in not spending a money here should not mean that we "undevelop/get low" to their level of understanding/cooperation. The government should both protect the North Cyprus customers and the TRNC tradesmen/manufacturers.



I hope my message detailing the estranged life the TCs have been forced to live for more than 40 years has shed a light on why these type of strange events are being experienced on a European island in the 21st century.

dy1259


Joined: 10/08/2007
Posts: 280


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 16:22

Alasian,

Pleased to see you back with your usual excellent and informative posts.



Donna

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1228


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 19:28

Thanks guys,

Got sucked in again by that big nasty greek propaganda machine silly me.

Georgie Girl


Joined: 04/08/2007
Posts: 13


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 20:23

i am in no doubt as to what you say in the above,but despite all that the government needs to apply rules and stick to them.This would surely go a long way to building relations within the large expat com here and would generate greater support.We all love it here or we wouldnt be here,but need basic reasurrances rules that EVERYONE follows and that are still in place 2 weeks after they are enforced.

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 355


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 20:31

I used the Famagusta crosing point 4 times within a two week period in a southern cyprus hire car, I wasn't asked to open the boot on any of the crossings from south to north, or checked to see whether I had any purchases in the car,infact on my last visit after getting the visa stamped we were just waved through without our passports being checked. It was only on the return trips we were asked whether we had purchased anything in the north, and if we were aware of the cigarette allowance.

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 21:26

hi guys

alasian welcome back long time no hear, donna zorro is back lol

i spoke to cousins and friends today and asked whats going on with the border problems they said it all started when the problems the south where having with foot and mouth so they (north border police) started to take a stricter stance with all meat and dairy products and this is where the supposed choclate story comes in

but they also said even thou the border police have seemed to get tighter they go through the famagusta crossing and still buy bits and pieces of food stuff in the south and dont get no hassle

ive also found the news report on this situation printed below



GROWING complaints from businesses in the north have led to the implementation of tighter checkpoint controls by Turkish Cypriot police and customs officials – something that is causing irritation among Turkish Cypriots, who believe they should be entitled to shop wherever they like.



“This is preposterous and against my rights. I will continue to shop on the Greek side and if necessary will go to court to defend my rights,” Yeliz Shukru

Shukru lives in the north and often shops in the south because she finds certain products are cheaper and of better quality.



A British woman residing in the north but who regularly shops in the south, said “When I crossed this morning, I asked the chief customs man at the crossing what exactly I would be allowed to bring back to the north and he said ‘nothing’.

“When I complained that I was a vegetarian and that certain products I needed could only be brought in the south, he said he would turn a blind eye for a few things, just for me.”

Growing anger among shoppers has been further fanned by recent reports in a newspaper telling of how customs officials confiscated chocolates from a child and flowers from an old woman.

Authorities in the north have sought to justify the action, saying the confiscations of chocolate were because of temporary measures aimed at preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

But at the Ayios Dhometios crossings in Nicosia yesterday, Turkish Cypriot customs officials said they had received instructions “on Wednesday last week” to confiscate all supermarket shopping from people travelling from the south to the north, regardless of whether the products contained dairy or meat derivatives.

“You can buy a shirt or a jacket and bring them across, but no more food,” the official said.

When asked what had become of a previous law that allows people to bring €135 worth of shopping across the official said, “Yes, you can bring €135 worth of shopping, but no food”.

Shopkeepers in the north were naturally pleased with the new measures.

“The Greeks don’t even let a banana across from our side, so why should we let their products pour into here?” said north Nicosia shopkeeper Fetin Korman.

He added, however, that the ban on shopping was more to do with worries about falling tax revenues than the interests of shopkeepers.

“If people shop on the Greek side, then they [the government] will collect less tax, and therefore won’t be able to pay the civil servants,” he said.

A spokesman for the Turkish Cypriot leadership yesterday expressed surprise that customs officials were confiscating all edible goods at the crossing.

“The law is that you can bring €135 of shopping over, as long as you do not bring any meat or dairy products. The customs men are implementing the law incorrectly,” the spokesman said, adding that he would look into the matter with the view to correcting the error.

Former head of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, and a strong supporter of Green Line trade, Ali Erel said, however, that the authorities on both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides were intent on reducing already limited economic links between the two sides of the island.

“They [customs police] are overdoing it on both sides and are creating problems for people crossing,” adding that the action was “definitely political” and aimed at reducing economic interdependence between the two sides.



my view on this is 50/50 im in favour of human rights including consumer rights and you should be free to buy from anywhere you want if we are to live in a modern society, but like the report said that turkish cypriot shopkeepers are complaing about trade in the north i fully understand them and agree with them, as a turkish cypriot and the rest on this forum and all the expats who live or got summer homes in north cyprus we should be supporting the economy so north cyprus can flourish, but some of us are stuck in a catch 22 situation because there are lots of products not just food that is a lot cheaper in the south so we are tempted to purchase there

thats why these damm right illegal human rights vialations placed on our country should be lifted asap so then we got every right to buy whatever we want from any shop in the north and not be forced to pay more and to also keep the shopkeepers happy and keep the money in the north cyprus economy



i wonder what kind of restrictions and how strict the border police on the south are with brits and locals buying products in the north?

sorry to go on a bit

regards

ukturk

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 457


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 21:38

Alasian



You can buy pork and bacon in the TRNC

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
30/11/2007 21:59

even thou im no way a strict muslim i have never and wont eat anything from the pig

i know what i would rather eat

lamb chops over prok chops

beef over ham

lamb roast over pork roast

turkey rashers over bacon

and not just for taste and for health reasons pigs have got lots of parasites and diseases like trichinosis, cysticercosis, and brucellosis and also the pig have got ascarid worms in their digestive system thats why there are so many warnings why you should well cook or cure pork meat throughly

regards ukturk

Alasian


Joined: 11/08/2007
Posts: 90


Message Posted:
01/12/2007 01:28

Hello Donna, thank you for the kind welcome and your kind words. I'm very glad to see that you are still on the forum.



Hello lovingcyprus, thank you for your help.



Hi ukturk, it is a personal choice whether to eat a certain type of food or not. Some choose what to eat according to scientific health concerns or their tastes, while some choose to have their menu as per a book written thousands of years ago in a desert.



Yet, i am strongly against Arabic culture having imposed us for centuries what to eat and what not to eat depriving our people from a cheap source of protein that they had been eating for millenia.



By the way i am not a dietitian or a food engineer but it striked me that the top 30 countries in terms of life expectancy are all pork consumers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy

truffles808


Joined: 16/10/2007
Posts: 42


Message Posted:
01/12/2007 08:01

Alot of the supermarkets are now selling fresh pork at their meat counters.

I don't mean to offend, but we have got a whole suckling pig on order for Christmas day. Hog roast, yummy.

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1931


Message Posted:
01/12/2007 09:06

hi all

of course its down to personal choice if its down to religion, taste, or for health reasons, for me its was my parents who did not eat pork and never had it in the house but gave me the choice if i wanted to eat or not and when i became a adult i chose not to eat it

and i know alasian you are against any sort of muslim culture imposed on us turks but it is not much depriving of a cheap source of protein because we have chicken which is a even cheaper source of protein but more of a way they belive the pig to be a dirty animal

unless i mistaken the people of israel dont eat pig, and also whe