Frank and Joan's news for 05 February 2007 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

Our adventures in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue....

Quick look at the weekend papers.

A visitor was stopped from leaving the TRNC because of an unpaid speeding fine. Apparently this London based Turkish Cypriot, had received a speeding fine in January 2006, but had not been aware of it. He had been in and out of TRNC 15 times over the last 12 months and on Friday 26th January was barred from leaving. He paid the fine on the following Monday but was again barred from leaving on Wednesday because the police computers did not show the payment being made. Result a very angry journalist, writing about police

incompetance and being teated like a common criminal.

Some news from the census done last April. British expats amount to a total of one percent of the population. I wonder if they ever counted the Brits who went off back to UK or over to the South for a long weekend, in case anybody spotted the lack of residency permits.

Signs are to be put up and flashing warning lights, by the pedestrian crossings in Girne. However the head of the Society for the Prevention of Accidents admitted that even though the crossings existed, pedestrians often did not use them - and even if they did, TRNC drivers were not in the habit of stopping for them. Very true. Today when I stopped at one of these crossings, the driver behind blew his horn angrily at me for daring to stop and let a mother and child cross, oh boy........

According to a census by a government body there has been a major shift in public opinion. 65% of Turkish Cypriots now want a two state island, whilst only 20% want a federal solution to the Cyprus issue. Many of us here say that this is the only way that the issue will ever be resolved.