The TRNC Minister of Finance, Ersin Tatar, told Turkish Cypriots in Cypruas and those visiting the island to refrain from buying goods in the south of Cyprus. Tatar made the comments while inspecting a checkpoint along the Green Line. Mr. Tatar said it is imperative that Turkish Cypriots act to protect the economy of TRNC, for it to be developed and strengthened, to create employment opportunities and for the businessmen to make openings. “It is not right for everybody to go to the Greek side for his own pleasure, do shopping and pay the VAT to the Greek state,” he continued.  

Mr. Tatar added: “everybody should comply with the regulations and alleged that the customs officers are always obliged to do their work and make the necessary control. “We do not have a prohibitive mentality. “Our citizens can act as they want but everybody has to obey our rules.”