The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following closely the saddening and disconcerting incidents related to the migration of refugees which have lost the security of life due to the current civil unrest in Syria, as well as internal problems in other countries in the region. It is overwhelmingly clear that the refugee crisis which has been created by conflict in the region will only be resolved with the reinstatement of regional peace and stability.
We are witnessing with deep concern through the international press the treatment that the refugees which have migrated to Europe are subjected to, as well as the lack of provision of even their most basic living conditions due to the current problems in the region. It is, therefore, our expectation that each country do its utmost to fulfil their duties and responsibilities pertaining to this humanitarian issue.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is doing its utmost with its limited resources to provide the necessary facilitation to the refugees who apply to seek refuge in our country. Our Ministry is working on this matter in close cooperation with the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the Island. Moreover, we welcome the sensitivity attributed to this matter by the Turkish Cypriot civil society organizations, whose work we follow closely.
Legal arrangements to the law on refugees is currently being undertaken by our Government. Following the implementation of the said legislation, our country will be able to play a more proactive role on matters concerning refugees.
The primary necessity for the resolution of this sensitive and humanitarian issue is the establishment of sustainable peace in the region. Unless sustainable peace is achieved, it will not be possible to ensure stability in the region. It is therefore our expectation from the international community to take immediate and concrete steps to cease conflicts which lead to such tragedies so that the people of the region may enjoy peace and tranquility within their own countries.