The situation in Cyprus has always influenced humanitarian issues affecting both sides. The positive atmosphere between the leaders, against the backdrop of the talks, created opportunities for cooperation, while a negative atmosphere demonstrably led to greater estrangement.
Erhurman’s refusal to accept assistance from the Republic of Cyprus following the shipwreck off Kyrenia was met with a variety of reactions. But let’s take a look at when and in what other instances assistance was offered by one side and how the other reacted.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
A Look Back
1995 – A fire in the Kyrenia area burns 5,800 square meters. The Greek Cypriot side offers assistance, which Denktash rejects.
2015 – In June 2015, a major fire broke out in Varosia. The Republic of Cyprus offered to help. In fact, the Fire Department had vehicles on standby at the Deryneia roadblock. Ultimately, their assistance was not needed.
Another fire struck, this time in the Solea area in June 2016. The Turkish Cypriot side, led by Akıcı, offered assistance. The Greek Cypriot side expressed its gratitude but stated that their assistance was not necessary following the support provided by Greece and Israel. Nevertheless, individual groups of Turkish Cypriots arrived in the area as volunteers. And one more thing. Amid the Cyprus talks, Turkey itself has offered to send aircraft to help with this fire. The Republic of Cyprus made it a condition that the Turkish firefighting aircraft be integrated into its operational coordination system. Turkey refused.
The Greek Cypriot administration accepted Turkey’s offer of assistance. Two firefighting helicopters and one aircraft will provide assistance. President Nicos Anastasiades stated that he accepted Turkey’s assistance on the condition that it be accompanied by teams from Israel and the European Union.
May 2020 – A fire in the Morphou area. The Republic of Cyprus offered to help, and Mustafa Akinci accepted. A firefighting aircraft participates in the firefighting efforts. It was the first time the two sides had cooperated, a development that was welcomed by the United Nations.
“It is part of Cyprus, and we must act accordingly.”
2022 – Fire in Kantara. This time, Mustafa Akinci requests assistance from the Greek Cypriot side, which responds immediately.
2023 – The Republic of Cyprus offers to help deal with the aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey. The offer is rejected by Ankara.
2025 – Devastating wildfires in the mountainous region of Limassol. The Turkish Cypriot side offers assistance but is told that there is no need for additional forces.
The case of the shipwreck off Kyrenia is added to the long list of opportunities for cooperation between the two sides—opportunities that have not yet been capitalized on, even in the face of such major tragedies.
See the report by Evangelos Agapios
