Nicosia: Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos has expressed satisfaction with the recent successes of the Customs Department at the Republic's entry and exit checkpoints, airports, ports, and crossing points of the "green line".
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister, in a written statement issued on Friday, emphasized that the successful detection and seizures of numerous illegal products confirm the effectiveness of the targeted measures implemented by the state, as well as the professionalism and dedication of customs officers.
The Minister highlighted the intensification of strict controls, particularly at access points to and from the Turkish-occupied areas. The seizure of large quantities of products attempted to be imported into the government-controlled areas without paying the legal tax is attributed to both the decisions of the Minister of Finance and the broader government strategy to combat smuggling.
The government, he concluded, will continue to support the work of the Customs Department for more effective control at the crossing points to and from the government-controlled areas. This effort aims at the proper implementation of the "Green Line" trade rules and the protection of trade in the areas controlled by the Republic to ensure equality, proper trade practices, the safeguarding of public health, and the strengthening of public revenues.
The Green Line is a demarcation between the areas under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and those areas in which the government does not exercise effective control, remaining under Turkish occupation since 1974.