DECISION NO:

E-851-2003

The Council of Ministers have taken the following decisions:

1.   The Government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has decided to make a change to the measures it has applied since July 2000, concerning UNFICYP’s access regulations pertaining to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Within this framework, and parallel to the new arrangements regarding the crossings from South Cyprus to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, in addition to Ledra Palace gate, it has been decided to permit UNFICYP to cross to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus through the Beyarmudu, Akyar (2.5 mile checkpoint) and, when it opens, Metehan checkpoints.

2.   In order to provide the opportunity for both sides to get better acquainted and particularly to facilitate the familiarization of the young population, it is decided that scholarships will be offered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Universities to a certain number of Greek Cypriot students as of the next academic year.

The conditions that will apply to these scholarships will be announced in due course.

3.   Within the framework of a general agreement that may be reached between the Telecommunication Departments of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot administration of South Cyprus through the United Nations, it is decided that the GSM operators in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be encouraged to sign “Roaming” agreements with the Greek Cypriot side.

It is envisaged that the number of regular telecommunication lines between the two sides will also be increased, provided that the Telecommunication Companies in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot administration reach an agreement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will take up this issue with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus and will convey the request of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Telecommunications Department for a meeting with the Greek Cypriot side.

4.   The Government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is in the process of taking the necessary decisions for the normalization of trade with the Greek Cypriot side, which will be subject to prior permits. Regulations regarding the implementation of these arrangements will be announced later.

5.   Vehicles crossing from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to South Cyprus will be exempt from the required (exit) fees.