Tyres Become ‘Weapon’ in Cyprus Conflict

The sovereignty of Cyprus is a long standing source of tension between Greece and Turkey, and it now appears this territorial stand-off extends even as far as the tyre world. Greece’s Ministry of National Defence has denied reports published in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus that vehicles used by armed forces in the Greek controlled Republic of Cyprus, which covers 59 per cent of the island’s land area, are fitted with tyres manufactured in Turkey – an unthinkable situation in the context of the territorial dispute.

According to Northern Cyprus’ public information office, Mustafa Hasanoğlu (whose company Arina represents Turkish tyre maker Petlas in Greece) stated he has sold tyres produced in Turkey to the ‘Greek Cypriot Administration’ since 2005, selling through a Greek buyer. “First of all when the inscription ‘Made in Turkey’ was displayed on the tyres, serious problems were experienced,” Hasanoğlu added. “Later the problems were solved.”

Upon hearing this news, European Party MP Rikkos Erotokritou expressed his disappointment, describing the situation as a “tragedy” and wondering how it could be possible “to fight for survival” and deal with the presence of Turkish soldiers on Cyprus “when the country’s troops are equipped commercially with Turkish tyres.” Mr. Erotokritou need not have got so worked up – a statement from the Cyprus National Guard says the allegations have been investigated and refuted.