They are trying to get permission to export all processed non-animal food through the Green Line Regulation and to have controls in the occupied territories, said the head of the "EU Coordination Centre" in the regime's so-called prime ministry, Hussein Amziyaoglu.
According to the GMP, the Kipris Post website reported that in a statement to the T/C "news agency", Amjiaoglu said that as a "state" they are making a serious effort to export too many processed products and have sent a letter to the EU Commission on this issue and asked for information on the wrapping required for the products, how the checks will be carried out, what the criteria are and what analyses are needed. He added that despite the fact that there are positive developments, they have not received an official reply.
Noting that for the convenience of producers, efforts are being made to have inspections carried out in the occupied territories by an independent "agency" or a specialist to be appointed, as in the case of honey and potatoes, Amziyaoglu said that through the Green Line Regulation, approval is given for the export of six processed products, but the Turkish Cypriot side's demand is that there should be no restriction on the product base.
He added:
"While jam passes, won't pickles pass? We want crossings to be licensed by category, not by product. We want the control of processed foods that do not contain animal products."
Referring to the issue of exporting halalumi as a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO) to EU countries, Amziyaoglu said that the Greek Cypriots have started exports and that Bureau Veritas has been assigned to carry out inspections in the occupied territories, but there has not yet been any appointment.
He noted that halloumi needs to go through two checks in relation to harmonisation with registration in terms of production and health and accused the EU of causing problems for Turkish Cypriots even on the language to be used in packaging and following a policy of two measures and two stations.
He added that two companies from the occupied territories have applied for the export of halalumi as PDO and that if they receive approval they will have to wait for the health check. He said that no institution has yet been appointed for this control and that the Bureau Veritas appointed for the PDO control is based in Greece, which always worries the Turkish Cypriot side.
Noting that many investments have been made in the sheep and goat sector by the Turkish Cypriot side, Mr. Amziyaoglu said that in case there is an obstacle, the sheep and goat farmers will find themselves in a very difficult situation and that is why they should always have a plan B.
Maintaining that the door of trade through the Green Line is not one hundred percent reliable, he also said that obstacles can arise at any time and that is why they should also look towards the English market.
Source: CNA
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