Cyprus-Foreign Ministry issues travel advice for Turkey

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advice for Turkey, urging Cypriot citizens to avoid travelling to certain areas if it’s not necessary.  "In light of the tense situation prevailing in the country as a result of the recent terrorist bomb attacks and the violent incidents arising from the public demonstrations in several cities in Turkey, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges all Cypriot citizens residing in the country or intending on travelling there to avoid travelling to certain areas if it’s not necessary," the travel advice noted. Cypriot citizens are requested to avoid crowded places and mass gatherings. Furthermore, they are encouraged to keep abreast of local and international media coverage (especially from the Internet) of events and to follow the safety instructions of the Turkish Authorities. "After the recent terrorist bombings in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul (January 12, 2016) and Ankara (October 10, 2015) and the frequent demonstrations in many regions of Turkey, the developments are worrying and it is not possible to ensure that the current situation will not affect the safety of Cypriot citizens visiting the country," the travel advice said. It added that "the last bombing in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul`s historic center seems to be the responsibility of the so-called Islamic State and it is estimated that it aims to hurt the tourism industry of Turkey. The country after five bomb attacks in its territory on the last three years (from 05/2013 to 01/2016), faces a high terrorist threat and further terrorist attacks may be repeated." Due to the absence of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not able to provide direct consular assistance to Cypriot citizens who are visiting this country. As EU citizens and  in the absence of Cypriot diplomatic missions in the visiting country, Cypriots have the right (under Article 23 of the Treaty of Lisbon) to receive consular protection from any diplomatic mission (Embassy or Consulate) of an EU member state. For further information, they can visit the relevant European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/consularprotection/search.action?ms2=ALL&tcNew=TR&tc2=TR&countryAndCity=ALL&rightMenu.submit.label=Find+info In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens can contact the Duty Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +35 7 99660129, or the Crisis Management Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +35722801000 and +35797775998. CNA/MK/GV/2016 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY