Arıklı Criticises PM’s Lack of Coordination Over Turkey Visit

Speaking on the “Haber Toplantısı” programme on Sim TV, Arıklı recalled that energy projects, including electricity and natural gas connections from Turkey to Northern Cyprus, were discussed during Üstel’s contacts in Ankara.

Arıklı said it would have been more appropriate for the Prime Minister to inform coalition partners before travelling to Turkey for such important discussions.

He also noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu contacted him while abroad to ask whether he had been informed about the visit, adding that this created a negative impression.

Highlighting the importance of energy and infrastructure projects, Arıklı said the electricity interconnection project with Turkey has long been on the agenda and that he had previously worked on related initiatives during his tenure as Minister of Energy.

Arıklı added that energy links should not be politicised, noting that technical energy connections with South Cyprus already exist and allow mutual energy transfer when necessary.