The Government's decision on the roadblocks was taken for the protection of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and leaves no room for any other interpretation, said Government Spokesman Kyriakos Kousios. In his statements to KYPE, he also reminded that the measure is temporary and did not rule out the reopening of one or more roadblocks depending on the developments.
Asked about announcements by parties, both the opposition and the coalition, about the measures to deal with the coronavirus, Mr. Kousios said that the criterion on the basis of which the decision was made, clearly concerns the treatment of the spread of the virus.
"There is nothing that touches any other political position and the Government acts within the framework of its responsibility to protect the citizens of the state. In this case, he acted for the protection of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, "he said.
He added that the decision "obviously leaves no room for any other interpretation, as five passages remain open, three on the front line and two on British bases."
"It is emphasized that the measure is completely temporary and is valid for a week, without excluding, depending on the developments, the reopening of one or more entrance passages," he said.
According to Mr. Cousios, the Government will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the people. The situation is assessed daily and decisions will be made accordingly, he added.
Asked about the criticisms made regarding the information, the Government Spokesman replied that the information about the measures was made with an official announcement by the Minister of Health after the meeting of the Council of Ministers.
"The European Union, the United Nations and the British bases were informed about our decisions, while the President of the Republic had a direct conversation with Mr. Akinci to inform him," he said.
He also said that many complaints have been heard for information from parties, mayors, community leaders and other authorities. "It is obvious that when such measures are taken, an official announcement is made with which we inform. It was not possible under the circumstances to contact all the parties and all the competent bodies to inform them ", he added.
He also said that the most official information is made with the official announcement of the decisions of the Council of Ministers.
Finally, when asked to answer whether the decision on the roadblocks is fully justified based on medical and scientific data, Mr. Kousios said that "the decision was based on the data we had at the time of the decision". It is a measure to have a more effective control, based on the capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus, in terms of equipment and specialized personnel, he concluded.
Source: KYPE