Arıklı: Telecoms, KIB-TEK and Ports Should Be Privatised

Speaking on Sabah Postası, a programme broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Arıklı addressed energy policy, electricity prices, the Telephone Department and privatisation debates.

He rejected claims that the Telephone Department is being prepared for privatisation, but said structural reform in public utilities is necessary.

Arıklı said electricity generation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus relies heavily on fuel oil, noting that the Teknecik and Kalecik power plants operate on fossil fuels. He said the European Union’s emissions policies are pushing a transition toward renewable energy, adding that the region must shift to solar power and natural gas.

“Energy projects should be separated from politics”

Arıklı said agreements have been signed for an electricity interconnection system between Turkey and the TRNC, but added that some obstacles remain.

He suggested that energy projects between Turkey, the TRNC and Europe could be considered as confidence-building measures within the Cyprus context.

“KIB-TEK costs are clear”

Commenting on electricity prices, Arıklı said he had previously requested detailed financial statements from KIB-TEK during his time as minister but did not receive sufficient information.

He argued that high personnel costs place a heavy burden on the institution, claiming that even if electricity were supplied at zero cost, KIB-TEK would still have to sell it at around 14–15 cents due to its expenses.

He also said the institution’s financial structure is not transparently presented to the public.

“Privatisation is the global trend”

Referring to the Telephone Department, Arıklı said a protocol signed with Turkey did not affect the institution’s assets or authority, despite public claims of privatisation.

He argued that states worldwide are increasingly withdrawing from sectors such as telecommunications, ports and energy, leaving these services to the private sector.

“Ercan is the example”

Pointing to Ercan Airport as an example, Arıklı said the facility had previously been operating at a loss but saw major investments following privatisation.

He argued that the TRNC would not have been able to build a modern airport with its own resources and said privatisation had improved both infrastructure and state revenue.

Arıklı concluded that privatisation should also be considered for telecoms, KIB-TEK and port operations, repeating: “Telecoms, KIB-TEK and ports should be privatised.”